CHAMBER OPERA (Canada/Japan/Australia/Netherlands)
I Have My Mother’s Eyes:
A Holocaust Memoir Across Generations
November 18-19, 2023 at 8pm
Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre

Celebrated Japanese Canadian composer Rita Ueda premieres aremarkable new chamber opera, directed by Heather Pawsey, telling the compelling story of Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat who riskedhis own life to issue visas to Jewish families during the Holocaust, including Vancouver’s Bluman Family, and brought thousands to safety.

Featuring international musicians from Japan, Australia, and the Netherlands, this moving true story illuminates intergenerational friendship and bravery.

Barbara Ebbeson, mezzo soprano (Canada): Zosia/Barbara/Danielle Bluman

Teiya Kasahara, soprano (Canada): Chiune/Yukiko/Hiroki/Madoka Sugihara

Naomi Sato, shō (Netherlands, Japan): spirit of Yukiko Sugihara

Reison Kuroda, shakuhachi (Japan): spirit of Chiune Sugihara

Megumi Masaki, piano/narrator (Canada)

Miyama McQueen-Tokita, koto (Australia, Japan)

Marc Destrubé, violin (Canada)

Sungyong Lim, cello (Canada)

Jennifer Tham, conductor

Heather Pawsey, director

Presented with the participation of Powell Street Festival. The artists gratefully acknowledge the support of the Wallenberg-Sugihara Civil Courage Society.

Sponsored by the Canadian Music Centre BC and the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre.

Tickets include an invitation to join the composer, guest artists, and George Bluman for a facilitated conversation about the creation of the work and the Bluman Family’s story on October 25 at 7pm.

Chutzpah! Festival music programming is supported by AmplifyBC’s Live Music Presentation Fund

Date: November 18 & 19, 2023

Time: 8pm

Running Time: 90 minutes

Tickets: $40 Regular; $34 Senior/Student
A ChutzPack eligible show