Libretto: Memories from a Shoebox

Using old letters as a springboard, LIBRETTO tells the story of a young opera singer, Jessica St. James, and her troubled relationship with a famous Russian teacher, Svetlana Usova, whose uncompromising temperament promises to cripple Jessica's spirit and love of singing. Despite her constant misgivings she perseveres, convinced that only through Usova can she attain an international career. The story takes Jessica from Toronto to New York, Bayreuth and Salzburg. Before her studies with Usova began she sang minor roles with a fledgling opera company in Toronto, Canada. Improving under Usova's guidance she was given more demanding and important roles. When Arturo Moretti from Italy was engaged to head the company there was an instant attraction between them and in six months they were married. After only four years of marriage, Arturo's life was tragically cut short. From then on Jessica's desire to sing vanished. Two years later Jessica was presented with an exceptionally gifted student. She then began a new career, becoming as world famous as her former mentor.