Jun Kaneko’s Opera Production Designs 08-28-2009 Jun Kaneko’s Opera Production Designs View the Kaneko Madama Butterfly on YouTube View the Kaneko Fidelio on YouTube View the Kaneko Production Photo Gallery “…future productions will likely pale next to this stage picture, so closely attuned was it to what was about to unfold…. It was a triumph. Critics don't usually cheer. But I did.”-The Philadelphia Inquirer on Kaneko’s Fidelio, 2008 Jun Kaneko’s first opera production was Madama Butterfly, which he created in 2007 for his “home” company of Opera Omaha, where he bases his studio. The production was firmly rooted in the traditions of Puccini’s work, while bringing his signature bold, contemporary style to the piece. Upon its premiere, it garnered rave reviews. “… a mixture of old traditions and modern aesthetic that was visually daring while remaining true to the essence of the music and drama. Kaneko… is celebrated worldwide for his imaginatively ornamented ceramic monoliths…. He has a perceptive eye for theatrical and dramatic effect…. a splendidly integrated work of art.” - London’s Opera magazine Says OCP Artistic Director Robert Driver, “I first saw Jun’s Butterfly, and quickly came to know his grandscale ceramics and canvas paintings. Jun bases his work on the Japanese Hindu concept of ma, and realizing Fidelio in an abstract, contemporary way which transcends any specific historical period or setting allowed me to work to focus on visual tableaus.” The result was Driver’s commission of a Fidelio production which drew audience and critical praise in fall 2008. PRODUCTION PHOTO GALLERY Jun Kaneko designs the fabrics for costumes inMadama Butterfly, which were created in 2005 at Philadelphia’s own Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM). Jun Kaneko has enjoyed a relationship with FYM since 1979, and was able to do hands-on work with FWM’s skilled artists.(Photo: Ree Kaneko) Jun and artist Kate Abercrombie review Jun’s sketches for Butterfly and consider custom fabric patterns. (Photo: Ree Kaneko) Jun works with the Fabric Workshop and Museum’s Nami Yamamoto to create patters for the Butterfly fabrics. (Photo: Ree Kaneko) Sketches from Madama Butterfly Original sketches from Madama Butterfly show how the sets and costumes evolved from sketches to the stage. Jun works with Artistic Director Robert Driver on the original Fidelio production which was commissioned by Opera Company of Philadelphia in 2008. At work in his studio, Jun Kaneko creates original designs for Beethoven’s masterpiece based on discussions with Robert Driver. (Photo: Ree Kaneko) Sketches & Actual shots from Fidelio: As a partner in the creative process, the Opera Company of Philadelphia saw through Jun’s designs for the sets and costumes of Fidelio from sketches to reality, with the expertise of OCP’s production and technical staff who built the entire production here in Philadelphia. Click here to return to the ON THE WINGS Project homepage. Click here to purchase tickets to MADAMA BUTTERFLY. Partners in Presenting Art, Opera & You:
Jun Kaneko’s Opera Production Designs
View the Kaneko Madama Butterfly on YouTube
View the Kaneko Fidelio on YouTube
View the Kaneko Production Photo Gallery
“…future productions will likely pale next to this stage picture, so closely attuned was it to what was about to unfold…. It was a triumph. Critics don't usually cheer. But I did.”-The Philadelphia Inquirer on Kaneko’s Fidelio, 2008
Jun Kaneko’s first opera production was Madama Butterfly, which he created in 2007 for his “home” company of Opera Omaha, where he bases his studio. The production was firmly rooted in the traditions of Puccini’s work, while bringing his signature bold, contemporary style to the piece. Upon its premiere, it garnered rave reviews.
“… a mixture of old traditions and modern aesthetic that was visually daring while remaining true to the essence of the music and drama. Kaneko… is celebrated worldwide for his imaginatively ornamented ceramic monoliths…. He has a perceptive eye for theatrical and dramatic effect…. a splendidly integrated work of art.” - London’s Opera magazine
Says OCP Artistic Director Robert Driver, “I first saw Jun’s Butterfly, and quickly came to know his grandscale ceramics and canvas paintings. Jun bases his work on the Japanese Hindu concept of ma, and realizing Fidelio in an abstract, contemporary way which transcends any specific historical period or setting allowed me to work to focus on visual tableaus.”
The result was Driver’s commission of a Fidelio production which drew audience and critical praise in fall 2008.
PRODUCTION PHOTO GALLERY
Jun and artist Kate Abercrombie review Jun’s sketches for Butterfly and consider custom fabric patterns. (Photo: Ree Kaneko)
Sketches from Madama Butterfly
Original sketches from Madama Butterfly show how the sets and costumes evolved from sketches to the stage.
Jun works with Artistic Director Robert Driver on the original Fidelio production which was commissioned by Opera Company of Philadelphia in 2008.
At work in his studio, Jun Kaneko creates original designs for Beethoven’s masterpiece based on discussions with Robert Driver. (Photo: Ree Kaneko)
Sketches & Actual shots from Fidelio:
As a partner in the creative process, the Opera Company of Philadelphia saw through Jun’s designs for the sets and costumes of Fidelio from sketches to reality, with the expertise of OCP’s production and technical staff who built the entire production here in Philadelphia.
Click here to return to the ON THE WINGS Project homepage.
Click here to purchase tickets to MADAMA BUTTERFLY.
Partners in Presenting Art, Opera & You:
