THE FALLINg AND THE RISING

February 2, 2027 | VFW Post 76 Free public PREVIEW concert | 7:30 p.m.

February 4, 2027 | Boeing Center at tech port full public performance | 7:30 p.m.

Overview

Music by: Zach Redler
Libretto by: Jerre Dye
Running Time: 80 minutes with no intermission

The Falling and the Rising tells the story of Soldier, an unnamed female service member. After recording a birthday video message for her daughter while deployed, Soldier is severely wounded by a roadside IED (Improvised Explosive Device). She is placed into a medically induced coma because of the brain injury she sustained. While Soldier is in the coma, she experiences a dreamlike series of visions. Soldier encounters other service members, medical staff, and characters representing service, grief, and resilience. Through these encounters, Soldier moves toward clarity, awakening, and the possibility of homecoming.

This is a one-act chamber opera, approximately 80 minutes in length, co-commissioned in 2016 in partnership with the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus. Developed through extensive interviews with active-duty service members, veterans, military families, and communities connected to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and other military installations, the opera was created to build an emotional bridge between civilian audiences and military experience.

Sung in English with projected English translations.

This production is presented in collaboration with The Orchestra San Antonio