San Diego Opera Presents 'Soldier Songs'

Watch a live broadcast of "Soldier Songs," an opera by David T. Little.

War. To those who experience it from the comfort of their living rooms, they have no idea. For those who have experienced it first hand, we have no idea. Now is the time to crack open the door to understanding and conversation in “Soldier Songs.”

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A scene from “Soldier Songs,” an opera by David T. Little. We follow the lead character through the phases of life from boy to man: playing war games and violent video games as a youth (pictured), enlisting and serving in the military, the real-life horrors of war and a father whose worst fears are realized with the news of the death of his son.

Courtesy of GLMMR / Rafterman Photography / San Diego Opera

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A scene from “Soldier Songs,” an opera by David T. Little.

Courtesy of GLMMR / Rafterman Photography / San Diego Opera

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A scene from “Soldier Songs,” an opera by David T. Little.

Courtesy of GLMMR / Rafterman Photography / San Diego Opera

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A scene from “Soldier Songs,” an opera by David T. Little.

Courtesy of GLMMR / Rafterman Photography / San Diego Opera

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A scene from “Soldier Songs,” an opera by David T. Little.

Courtesy of GLMMR / Rafterman Photography / San Diego Opera

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A scene from “Soldier Songs,” an opera by David T. Little.

Courtesy of GLMMR / Rafterman Photography / San Diego Opera

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A scene from “Soldier Songs,” an opera by David T. Little.

Courtesy of GLMMR / Rafterman Photography / San Diego Opera

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A scene from “Soldier Songs,” an opera by David T. Little.

Courtesy of GLMMR / Rafterman Photography / San Diego Opera

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A scene from “Soldier Songs,” an opera by David T. Little.

Courtesy of GLMMR / Rafterman Photography / San Diego Opera

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A scene from “Soldier Songs,” an opera by David T. Little.

Courtesy of GLMMR / Rafterman Photography / San Diego Opera

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A scene from “Soldier Songs,” an opera by David T. Little.

Courtesy of GLMMR / Rafterman Photography / San Diego Opera

Gripping and realistic, “Soldier Songs” traces the shift in perception of war from the age of 6 to the age of 66.

We follow the lead character through the phases of life from boy to man: playing war games and violent video games as a youth, enlisting and serving in the military, the real-life horrors of war and a father whose worst fears are realized with the news of the death of his son.

Adapted from interview with veterans of five wars, explore the ideas versus the realities of the soldier, the exploration of loss and exploitation of innocence, and the “seemingly impossible” of expressing the truth of war.

NOTE: “Soldier Songs” contains strong language, simulated gunshots, explosions, and other combat-like sounds and visual effects.

CREDITS:

• David T. Little — Composer
• Steven Schick — Conductor
• Tomer Zvulun — Director
• David Adam Moore — Soldier/Set, Video, and Costume Design.
• GLMMR Productions — Production Design
• Vita Tzykun — Set, Video, Costume Design
• Maxwell Bowman — Lighting Design

GO TO THE OPERA:

Performances of "Soldier Songs" take place on Friday, Nov. 11 & Saturday Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. & Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 at 2 p.m. All performances are at The Balboa Theatre.

Get your tickets now and/or find out how to buy a ticket for a soldier or veteran.

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