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Metier proudly presents the of Param Vir's double opera bill, featuring InchSnatched by the GodsInch and InchBroken Strings,Inch originally broadcast on BBC Radio 3's Hear and Now show in September 1996. These compelling one-act operas, performed by Almeida Opera with the London Sinfonietta under the masterful baton of Markus Stenz, showcase Vir's exceptional talent for both vocal and instrumental composition.Snatched by the GodsInspired by Tagore's narrative poem InchDebatar Gras,Inch this opera immerses the audience in a dramatic tale of devotion, fear, and divine retribution. Commissioned by Hans Werner Henze, InchSnatched by the GodsInch is the gripping first part of the double bill, where Vir's music vividly portrays the emotional and physical journey of pilgrims facing nature's fury and their own superstitions. The piece brilliantly echoes influences from Berg, Britten, and Messiaen, yet firmly establishes Vir's unique musical identity.Scene IAt dawn, amidst the preparations for a pilgrimage, tensions arise as Moksada and her son Rakhal seek to join the journey. Despite initial reluctance, Maitra allows them to board, setting off a chain of events marked by maternal fear and communal panic. As the pilgrims embark, an orchestral interlude captures the serenity and anticipation of their voyage.Scene IIThe return journey turns perilous as a storm brews, leading to a climactic struggle against nature and fate. In a desperate bid to appease the gods, Rakhal is tragically sacrificed, his death prompting a devastating realization for Maitra, who plunges into the sea, enveloped in guilt and despair.Broken StringsThe second opera, also commissioned by Hans Werner Henze, draws from the ancient Buddhist tale InchGuttil Jatak,Inch delivering a story that intertwines musical mastery with profound moral lessons. Vir's enchanting score brings to life a rich tapestry of chara
