the hiding tree

The Hiding Tree
Words & Music by EDWARD BARNES
Based on an ancient legend from Micronesia
SYNOPSIS: Two sisters are the only people who remain on an island in the middle of the sea after a people-eating monster devours the island’s entire population. One sister is caught by the monster, while the other escapes to the highest limbs of a tree in the forest. How each sister comes to the aid of the other makes for a magical story of love and survival.
THEMES: Women as heroes; Working together to solve a problem; Selfless love
“The music and vocals are direct and memorably eloquent, rich in dramatic details and deftly arranged.”
EL PASO HERALD-POST

CAST: 3 + small chorus/ensemble
- Little Sister (soprano)
- Big Sister (mezzo-soprano)
- The Monster (ensemble)
- Narrator (actor)
DURATION: 30 minutes
ACCOMPANIMENT: Piano
COMMISSIONED BY: MasterVoices
PRODUCTIONS: MasterVoices, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Southwestern University, Spotlight on Opera, Cambridge Youth Opera, Welsh National Opera
videos/excerpts
Scene 1
Scene 2
Copyright 2022 – Operas for Children – Edward Barnes, Composer