Reviving an Artform: The World Premiere of The Unknowable: an Operatic Ballet in Two Acts at Lowell House Opera

The world premiere of The Unknowable: an Operatic Ballet in Two Acts, with music and libretto by Benjamin T. Rossen, featuring music by Hector Berlioz and Gustav Mahler, will occur February 10th and 11th in Sanders Theater at Harvard University. 

"The Unknowable takes what we love about opera and ballet -- bravura singing and a highly refined movement aesthetic -- and makes it . . . real", states Emily Parker, choreographer and former ballerina at the Oregon Ballet Theatre.

THE UNKNOWABLE; A familiar experience

“The main question The Unknowable asks is, ‘in the face of success, do people become more open to change?’ In the setting of a familiar living room, family and friends – with their numerous temperaments and dynamics – parse through this dilemma together. All the while, an underlying musical force guides Edna, and hopefully the audience, towards unfettered curiosity.” reveals Rossen.

AN ENGAGING, RELEVANT, 21ST CENTURY OPERA

Parker asserts that "The story revolves around a situation to which we can all relate. We have all been faced with a tough decision, and we have all felt the anxiety and frustration that comes when we look inward for direction and struggle to find a clear or satisfying answer. I think we can all see ourselves in The Unknowable." 

BENJAMIN T. ROSSEN: A Catalyst for Innovation

At the helm of this innovative production is Benjamin T. Rossen, a Harvard graduate and the Executive Director of Lowell House Opera (LHO). He is pursuing a Master's in piano performance at the New England Conservatory.

ABOUT LOWELL HOUSE OPERA: the Oldest Professional Opera Company in New England

Founded in 1938, the Lowell House Opera continually adapted to changing times while preserving opera’s timeless beauty. Rossen explains that“Lowell House Opera presents a unique organizational model: exceptional students have the opportunity to collaborate and direct alongside Boston’s finest professionals. LHO stands for intergenerational dynamism; The Unknowable and the genre of ‘operatic ballet’ are amalgams in service of this mission.” The current Lowell House executive team is composed entirely of current Harvard students and recent Harvard graduates.