Tiit Kikas aims to make opera music for enjoyment

Composer Tiit Kikas told ERR’s Vikerraadio that the music for the short opera The Happy Prince is beautiful and intended to be enjoyed, rather than requiring audiences to listen with a serious expression.

Kikas said he and Jaagup Kreem had worked together on several projects, including albums and tours. In 2011, they made the musical Werewolf, followed by the children’s musical Doors and now their second short opera, The Happy Prince.

“Jaagup works, like I do, particularly efficiently and quickly under pressure,” Kikas said.

Kikas added that he had been exposed to opera since childhood. He recalled attending operas and ballets through what he called “voluntary compulsory” visits during his preparatory class and studies at a music school.

The short opera is based on Oscar Wilde’s fairy tale. Mart Mikk wrote the dramatization and helped Kikas understand how to structure the work as a composer.

“I wanted to write music that is beautiful, intended for enjoyment and does not require the audience to listen with furrowed brows and a serious expression,” Kikas said.

The world premiere of The Happy Prince will take place in Kohila on August 14 and 15.