Steve Jobs is the subject of a new opera premiering in Santa Fe this month. The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs was commissioned by Santa Fe Opera and will be conducted by Michael Christie. It opens on 22 July and runs until 15 August.
Composed by Mason Bates with a libretto from Mark Campbell, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs examines the computer pioneer’s key personal relationships, as well as his Buddhist beliefs and the trajectory of his career.
“It is a pleasure and an honour to be part of another phenomenally talented American composer’s first opera,” commented Christie. “Mason is a true theatre composer, blending voice, drama and his revelatory musical vision.”
The staging is also inspired by Jobs, with an emphasis on minimalist aesthetics. Further, the opera makes use of cutting-edge video projection technology, tying in with Jobs’ own career interests at both Apple and Pixar.
The role of Jobs will be sung by baritone Edward Parks, with mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke as his wife Laurene Powell, baritone Kelly Markgraf as his father Paul Jobs, bass Wei Wu as Kôbun Chino Otogawa (Jobs’ spiritual advisor) and tenor Garrett Sorenson as his friend and business partner Steve Wozniak.