Launching Royal Holloway’s Science Festival 2013, and in an exciting and ambitious collaboration between the worlds of art and science, we present the world première of a new one-act opera by composer Kelvin Thomson, based on the work of scientist and bee expert Dr Mark Brown.

What happens when a scientist wants to tell the world about a crisis but the world isn’t interested? And when even science may not have all the answers? Others may hold the truth: how can the science facts be separated from the science fiction?

Mixing verbatim material with poetry by Jo Shapcott and Liz Bahs,this brand new opera, addressing a little-understood crisis, is daring, funny and thrilling.

Mark Brown is a leading figure in current research into the dangerous decline in bee populations in Britain, and has been instrumental in re-introducing species to this country.

Performed by a professional cast and musicians, The Silence of the Bees promises to be innovative, accessible and thought-provoking, providing a new way of communicating science and challenging our ideas of what science, art and opera really are.

Sung in English. Running time: one hour, followed by a Q&A with members of the opera team.

Supported by Royal Holloway’s Alumni Fund.

Composer / Producer    Kelvin Thomson

Kelvin has worked as a musical director, arranger, composer and musician in countless shows in the West End and around the world including Riverdance, The Lion King and Celtic Woman. He is currently a PhD in Composition candidate in Royal Holloway’s Department of Music.

Director / Librettist Benet Catty

Benet is an award-winning director and playwright who has directed over sixty productions (including twenty premières) of major plays, musicals, operas and try-outs in London, Edinburgh, on tour and in America.

For more information please visit Royal Holloway website.