We are delighted to invite audiences everywhere to meet Josefine, the UK’s first newly commissioned opera made specifically for animation. The film is now available to watch, free of charge, on our YouTube channel.
The 14-minute film, made in partnership with Maestro Broadcasting, is a perfect bite-sized introduction to opera, available for audiences to watch whenever and wherever they wish. It weaves together music, dance, and animation to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages, making it an ideal opera experience for the entire family. The project reflects our ongoing commitment to finding innovative ways to present the art form beyond the traditional stage setting, giving viewers front-row access to a world-class artistic experience from the comfort of home.
Adapting Franz Kafka’s 1924 short story, ‘Josefine the Singer’, through a unique blend of operatic performance and contemporary animation, the film features music by Samuel Bordoli, a libretto co-authored by director Antonia Bain, and animation led by Sophie Bird.
The soundtrack brings together 2022/23 Emerging Artist soprano Zoe Drummond, a chorus, and The Orchestra of Scottish Opera, conducted by Susannah Wapshott.
Set in a striking desert landscape, the story follows a mysterious creature whose ethereal voice captures an audience of shoal sprites, exploring themes of artistry, crisis and hope.
Josefine is available to watch now for free at Josefine, an animated opera-short film | Scottish Opera, along with a Behind the Scenes of Josefine documentary.