Guide

The most awaited new David Jackson opera, Twinkle, had its debut last Wednesday in Basingstoke. The opera, which David himself defined “a large scale theatrical and musical extravaganza”, involved more than a hundred children from Treloar School and from other schools as well. The opera is based upon stories and legends that spread from stars - watching, and on the meaning of some constellations such as Orion, Andromeda and Cygnus. Here are some notes from Emilio Maestri, President of the PH & VdGG Study Group, who attended the event:

“Twinkle is an opera by children who can please both children and grown ups. 70 minutes of music and movement, driven by the brilliant and funny libretto by Judge Smith and by a series of musical surprises. The children sing and David’s horns guide them. Light design, scenic ideas and a touch of magic make the show and please the audience, that includes not only children’s parents, but also some fans from UK, USA and Russia. Twinkle is the story of some constellations: Gods (the disable children) and Humans (the other children) interact and tell the tales. David is almost hidden, in the back of the stage, nearly unvisible. You can’t see him but you can hear his music, his own music: a unique and moving one. The members of the band are Sacha Johnson on drums, Andy Baker on bass and Russ Harrolds on keyboards. Sometimes the sax playing is strong and feverish, sometimes is more spacey; there’s some flute here and there and some parts without music as well.”