a mini-opera for seven singers, adult and children’s choir, chamber ensemble (2012)

Libretto by Selma Dimitrijevic

Duration: 13'57''

Commissioned by Second Movement with funds from New Music 20x12 – a UK wide commissioning programme initiated by Jillian Barker and David Cohen, and delivered by PRS for Music Foundation in partnership with the BBC, LOCOG and NMC Recordings. Part of the London Cultural Olympiad 2012

World première: Second Movement, Ensemble 10/10 / cond. Clark Rundell, Members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic & Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choirs, The Epstein Theatre, Liverpool, UK, 15th June 2012 (Broadcast BBC Radio 3 16th June 2012) and Purcell Room, The Southbank Centre, 15th July 2012 as part of New Music 20x12 Weekend for the London Cultural Olympiad.

Reviews

"A tremendous opera"

"Emily Howard's short opera is, like its subject, almost insanely ambitious." ★★★★

"Howard's mini-opera Zatopek! seethes with invention"

"As unreservedly entertaining as the man it pays tribute to"

"Zátopek! by @EHowardComposer is one of our top #Olympic pieces!"