Den Andra Operan
Den Andra Operan ('DAO') presents works by female opera composers, aiming to contribute to a more gender-balanced operatic repertoire.
Forgotten opera treasure encounters new audiences
The “Unboxing Female Opera” project creates new forms for the encounter between audience and opera, inviting new audiences into the world of opera an at the same time allowing unheard works by women composers to regain their place in the opera repertoire. DAO launched the project through a 2023 pilot study with support from Signatur Foundation Sweden, and the work continues, with planned continuation until the end of 2026.
Through a unique combination of concerts, lectures and meetings with audiences, DAO invites, surprises and introduces audiences to a rare operatic repertoire. Through its choice of performance venues and collaborative partners, the project reaches new audiences and can offer experiences to suit both those with opera experience and those with budding curiosity.
The project is based on in-depth music research, reaches the audience through its stage performances and also offers an insight into the opera process and a meeting between musicians and lecturers in new environments and contexts.
At a glance
Den Andra Operan (“The Other Opera”) is changing the basis of what opera can, will and may be, now and in the future, by “unboxing” the forgotten operas of female composers, bringing them out of the archives and, by highlighting these works, correcting an inaccurate historiography.
