​

Laika: A Space Dog-yssey is a monodrama / song cycle for soprano and cello duet, created with librettist Ariella Como Stoian in autumn 2024.

​

The piece consists of three scenes:

​

I. Beagle

II. Into the Holodeck

III. Stay / Don't Stay

​

The premiere of Laika: A Space Dog-yssey takes place on 3rd December 2024 at Creative Impact Club, Peckham, by Guildhall New Music Society as part of their "Science Music" night. You can find tickets by clicking here.

​

​

Written as an ode to Laika and all the space dogs lost in pursuit of advancement, we wondered what it would mean if they could choose to explore the universe for themselves.

 

In a sci-fi future, of technologically enhanced exploration of new planets for dwindling resources, Beagle has been left behind. Her old owner and keeper in the militaristic-imperial regime she was bred by has abandoned her during a planet-wide exodus, leaving her locked behind a closed door, waiting hopelessly for his return.

 

She stitches together a new spaceship from scavenged scraps, embarking on a journey to follow her genetically modified nose across space, searching for new smells, tracking her owner, and playing fetch amongst the stars...