Strawberries in the Hive

Composed by Logan Hone

Libretto by Luke Swenson

Young Bethany lived captive on a hive colony among the stars, deeply in love with the drone, Chad. Now, having returned to earth to lead an unfulfililing domestic life, Bethany writes her otherworldy lover after a long silence pleading for him to visit once more before she dies. Told through a series of letters, Strawberries in the Hive explores the wonder of young love, the painful yearning it leaves, and the eventual, reluctant acceptence of the irreversable.  

The chamber opera utilizes a small 4-member ensemble exploring the many timbral and stylistic possibilities of its configuration: 2 singers doubling as silverware-knocking and paper-ripping percussionists, a violist, Logan Hone’s extensive five instruments differentiation. 

Performers:

Mailee Herzog (recording), Sierra Bottita (performance):: (Bethany) Soprano 

Jeff Smith: (Chad) Tenor, Percussion 

Hillary Alleman: Viola

Logan Hone: Contra-alto Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Percussion, Cracker Barrel Melodica, Pizzicato Violin