Francine Trester: "Keepers of the Light" A North Shore Opera

A world premiere opera by Berklee College of Music Professor of Composition Francine Trester.

The opera itself tells a story of local heroism – an account of Nahant Music Festival founder Donald Wilkinson’s father (Donald Wilkinson Sr.) and the five-person crew of the “Can-Do.” Recall the blizzard of 1978 – the “Can Do” was a pilot boat that went out into the storm the night of February 6, 1978 to rescue a tanker (the “Global Hope”) stranded in Salem Sound. All aboard the “Can-Do” perished, but their heroism was not extinguished. The opera then honors both Don Junior and Senior – two men of distinction, tenacity, and heart.

Directed by Joshua Major, Music Directed by Timothy Steele. Featuring the Nahant Music Festival’s 2019 Donald R. Wilkinson Vocal Apprentices:

Sharon Watts – Emily Tweedy

Station Gloucester, Mike Paradis – Yoonjeong Yoo

Global Hope, Mike Paradis – Ann Folger

Kenny Fuller – Biraj Barkakaty

Charlie Bucko – Christopher Remkus

“Curley” (Norman D. Curley) – Thore Dosdall

Frank Quirk – CodyRay Caho

Donald Wilkinson – Brian J. Alvarado

Proceeds from this concert will support the Donald R. Wilkinson Vocal Apprentice Program/Memorial Scholarship; our founder, who passed away in September 2018 after a long battle with cancer.

For more information please visit www.nahantmusicfestival.org