Angel of the Amazon: Opera

A compelling new opera based on the true story of Sister Dorothy Stang, an American nun who helped the indigenous peasant farmers of the Brazilian rainforest. In 2005, this 73-year-old nun was murdered by hire by the owner of a logging company.Angel of the Amazon depicts her life's work and the events that set her on a path to martyrdom.

World premiere by Encompass new Opera Theatre More at www.AngeloftheAmazon.com

American Groove

A Two Piano work performed by the Westhuizen Duo. This Three Movement work depicts the vast array of the American Musical Landscape including jazz, rock, funk, and extended piano techniques like strumming and plucking the inside of the piano

Choral Works

Langston Hughes' Dream of Freedom The poetry of Langston Hughes inspires this choral suite, telling a story of many aspects of life, prayer, love, death, and perseverance. Through it all, these elements play into our constant struggle to be free, where freedom means more than just a word. Of Fire and Form, commissioned by the WV chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, premiered in February 2011. The text is from Ovid's Metamorphoses, using the myth of the Phoenix to shed light on the nature of the world.

Pinocchio, A New Ballet

This work premiered in March 2011 by the Charleston Ballet. Choreography by Kim Pauley. Hailed as the "Springtime Nutracker," the one hour delights people of all ages!

Fish-Whale-MPEG-4 from sabe ellis on Vimeo.

Puppets-MPEG-4 from sabe ellis on Vimeo.

Dancers-MPEG-4 from sabe ellis on Vimeo.