Memories Beyond the Grave

Memories Beyond The Grave, composed by Michael Donovan, follows the close sibling relationship between Francois René de Chateaubriand (1768-1848) and Lucile de Chateaubriand (1764-1804), a bond strengthened through their love of nature during childhood and adolescence. Numerous poems and letters by Lucile and René are woven into excerpts from François René’s world-famous autobiography Mémoires d’outre tombe. Sung and spoken in both French and English, Donovan’s fusion of contemporary and lush Romantic textures transports us into the magical and tumultuous world of these two siblings, masterfully staged and performed by a stellar ensemble of singers, instrumentalists and creative team.

Singers:
Doug MacNaughton (Baritone)  as François René de Chateaubriand
Maureen Batt (Soprano) as Lucile and The Moon

Chamber Ensemble:
Cindy Thong Piano/Harpsichord
Sibylle Marquardt  Flute
Norman Adams  Cello
Tim Crofts  Synthesizers, Electronic instruments

Chorus of Stars: 
Gabriella Bell-Divincenzo
Sarah Helen Storms
Sarah Hu-A-Kam
Nicole Hamilton

Creative Team
Stage director: David Overton
Movement director: Veronique MacKenzie
Projection and lighting design: Mackenzie Cornfield 
Music director: Michael Donovan
Composer: Michael Donovan