MONSTER
(WITH DAVID BOTTOMLEY)
RAISE YOUR GLASS TO OUR HOSTS OF GLUTTONY
WHO OVERPRICED THE LAND BENEATH YOUR FEET
MONSTER is a "punk-rock cabaret opera" in development by David Bottomley and Zygmund de Somogyi, supported by the Guildhall Making It Fund in 2025.
Spearheaded by composer Zygmund de Somogyi and librettist David Bottomley, experimental chamber opera MONSTER highlights social cleansing and the encroaching tide of gentrification of urban centres throughout the UK, in areas like Elephant and Castle, Salford Quays, and Canary Wharf. It tackles through allegory important social issues of urban neglect, deprivation, and the devastating effect of gentrification on working class communities. Inspired by London's late-night cabaret clubs and punk rock scene of the 1970's, MONSTER occupies the performing space between opera, song recital, and cabaret; a piece with an active role for solo pianist in a duet with the singer.
Developed with funding from Guildhall’s Making It Fund, MONSTER receives its preliminary R+D recording in December 2025 with baritone and Guildhall Opera School alumnus Alaric Green, and pianist and BBC “Rising Star” artist Xiaowen Shang.
If you are interested in attending or watching a recording of MONSTER's preliminary R+D, please contact me.
'MONSTER' was written as part of the Guildhall Artists Junior Fellowship, supported by Guildhall's Making It Fund 2025. The piece will be workshopped and recorded by Alaric Green and Xiaowen Shang in London in December 2025, ahead of further development and performances in 2026.
Performers:
The Monster (baritone) - Alaric Green
piano - Xiaowen Shang
Performance history:
18 December 2025 - London (UK) r&d recording
Interested in performing this work or perusing a score? Get in touch!