In 2010, The San Francisco Opera House commissioned Harrison and the composer, Nolan Gasser, to create an opera based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. The opera premiered in March 2013, and is provisionally scheduled for three more opera houses between 2015 and 2017.
The San Francisco Opera production was by directed by José Maria Condemi, with décor by Naomie Kremer.
The San Francisco Chronicle: “The piece’s pliable rhythms and sonic transparency bring to mind the chamber operas of Britten, the past master of music for and about the young. With an intimate, supple score by composer Nolan Gasser and a clear (if condensed) libretto by Carey Harrison, the new work remains broadly faithful to its source while still making time to welcome young listeners into the world of opera.” -Joshua Kosman
Harrison and Gasser are hoping to soon begin work on a new opera, entitled The Sphinx in Love, from a story by Harrison.
Please note: There is a promotional video of the Secret Garden opera, put together by the San Francisco Opera, and interested parties should email Carey at ranald.carew@gmail.com to obtain access to it.
