“With his winning of the Pulitzer Prize for the little match girl passion (one of the most original and moving scores of recent years), Lang, once a postminimalist enfant terrible, has solidified his standing as an American master.”— The New Yorker

In this 60-minute chamber opera, commissioned by the Japan Society, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Lang reimagines three texts by iconic Japanese writer Ryunosuke Akutagawa. The result is a stunning and haunting monodrama, note to a friend, addressing our eternal human fascinations with death, love, family and suicide. The work was premiered at the PROTOTYPE Festival 2023, directed by theater luminary Yoshi Oida.

Theo Bleckmann is a multi-Grammy Award-nominated vocalist, composer, and ECM artist with over 17 albums. Collaborations include those with Ambrose Akinmusire, Sheila Jordan, Kneebody, Ben Monder, John Hollenbeck, Phil Kline, Ulysses Owens, Bang on a Can All-Stars, and Meredith Monk. A recipient of Germany’s JAZZ ECHO award, Bleckmann has been featured on NPR’s Fresh Air and The David Letterman Show.

The two-time Grammy Award-winning Attacca Quartet is recognized and acclaimed as one of the most versatile and outstanding ensembles of the moment — a true quartet for modern times. Gliding through traditional classical repertoire to electronic, video game music and contemporary collaborations, they are one of the world's most innovative and respected ensembles.

Attacca Quartet
Amy Schroeder, violin
Domenic Salerni, violin
Nathan Schram, viola
Andrew Yee, cello

Theo Bleckmann

Content Warning: This production contains references to suicide and depression, which some audiences may find distressing. If you need suicide or mental health-related crisis support, or are worried about someone else, please call or text 988 or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.