Patrick has just completed the composition and orchestration of his new opera based on the much-loved book ‘Gobbolino The Witch’s Cat‘ by Ursula Moray Williams.
The book, and now Patrick’s opera, chart the adventures of Gobbolino a cat born into a witch’s family who, rather than cast spells and do bad things, only wants to be a kitchen cat. It is a story about identity, difference, acceptance, belonging and tolerance. When Gobbolino’s family refuse to accept his dream of becoming a kitchen cat, Gobbolino goes in search of a new home. He ventures from Hurricane Mountain to a busy farm, to a tower up high in a castle… he is even recruited by sailors and caught up in a dangerous, storm at sea. What’s more, little Gobbolino comes face to face with a dragon! This resilient cat, going from one adventure to another, has a lot to teach children and adults alike.
It has been a huge undertaking to conceptualise the music to bring this beautiful story to life, and Patrick has been working on it for over a year. He says ‘I feel I have captured the humour and pathos of the story and created a few good tunes at the same time, and I can’t wait for it to be performed!’
More information on the premiere of the opera will be available in the coming months.
