On December 1st, 2007, Maria Olivia Ramirez Rabiela died alone in her apartment. She was found by her landlord 5 weeks later. Olivia, who had spent the past 30 years in Montreal without family contact, was trying to return to her native Mexico. In preparation, she entrusted an envelope of documents to her friend Katherine Peacock.

These documents inspired Katherine, who writes and performs under the name of Mussaver, to compose the music and script for Olivia, a folk opera. Taking place during the final hours of Olivia’s life as she comes to terms with her imminent death, it touches on themes of alienation, isolation, & community.

“We are so many constellations, one on top of another. It is hard to keep track of everyone. But you have to or they will all float away.”

Mussaver

Olivia will be performed by the Coal Choir, a group of twenty-five musicians living and working in Montreal who have been performing as a group under Mussaver’s leadership since 2006. The production features accordions, strings, percussion, various found objects and full choral arrangements. Sarah Tracy, a member of the Coal Choir, will be featured in the role of Olivia. The show will run for a limited engagement at St. James United Church, November 25th, 26th, and 28th.

Through their shows, the Coal Choir have raised funds to support charitable organizations such as the Mile End Mission, the Barriere Lake Algonguin Community, Tobermory Community Outreach and the Santropol Roulant Gardens. All profits from Olivia will be donated to the Montreal City Mission and the Immigrant Worker’s Centre of Montreal.

Details

  * Name: Olivia: A Folk Opera / Une Eulogie Musicale

  * Venue: Dawson Hall, St. James United Church (463 Rue Ste. Catherine)

  * Dates:

     o Wed. Nov. 25th

     o Thurs. Nov. 26th

     o Saturday Nov. 28th

  * Doors: 7:00pm

  * Show: 8:00pm

  * Price: $12 in advance, $15 at the door

  * Tickets available at Phonopolis (5403A Ave du Parc) and Librairie Drawn & Quarterly (211 Bernard Ouest) or online at Pop Montreal.

  * Website: http://www.oliviasoundings.com

  * Email: info@oliviasoundings.com