American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato is currently one of the undisputed stars of the contemporary operatic scene, with frequent appearances in the world's premier venues. Her liquid coloratura vocal palette has left critics gasping for superlatives. She is the Barbican’s Artist Spotlight awardee for the 2014-5 season, and has curated this performance for herself as the finale of her residency.
American composer Jake Heggie, a friend of DiDonato’s, is the most distinguished contemporary creator of the art song cycle. His Camille Claudel: Into the Fire has been written specifically for DiDonato. It tells the story of the titular sculptor. For many years she was both model and lover to Auguste Rodin, before coming into her own as one of the most important French artists of the early twentieth century. In 1913, her poet brother committed her to an asylum, where she remained for the remaining 30 years of her life, despite the insistence of her friends that she was well.
The piece consists of seven movements, six of which are based on individual sculptures by Claudel.
