5K Pursuit Opera

Using state-of-the-art wizardry, this unique TV event, which celebrates National Music Day, simultaneously gives the viewer the thrills of a fiercely competitive cycling meet and a modern opera. Contemporary composer Pip Greasly has always been interested in track cycling and has some experience of the sport himself. Pip believes that “pursuit cycling in particular has a theatrical quality” and finds in it a perfect example of “man in pursuit of perfection.” He was concerned not to lose the credibility of the cycling in the opera. The sporting element the spectacle is retained, the cycling is still competitive. The outcome of the action decides the way in which the music sounds, the chordal patterns, words and tempo. In this way, neither the music nor the cyclists are compromised.