The sixth video in our Staying Alive series features soprano Madison Leonard and tenor John Irvin singing the roles of Emmeline and Matthew from Tobias Picker’s Emmeline.
At the beginning of Act II, Emmeline has returned home to live with her parents. She is introduced to Matthew Gurney, a young railroad worker and new boarder at their house. Matthew admits that he never really learned to read, and Emmeline offers to teach him.
Over time, the bond between them grows. In this duet, they proclaim their love for one another and start to plan a future together, even though Matthew doesn’t know much about Emmeline’s past.
To see the full world premiere production of Tobias Picker’s Emmeline from Santa Fe Opera, click below for the PBS Great Performances broadcast from 1996.
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