Her Day

By Sayan Kent (music) & Vanessa Oakes (libretto)
hmv Empire, Coventry

Written for four sopranos, a women’s community chorus, and a small ensemble (flute, violin, cello, double bass, piano).

Her Day was created for a mix of professional and non-professional singers and offers an artistic platform that amplifies unheard voices. It tells the story of four women who meet regularly at a local community centre, a place where they exchange stories, food, laughter, and friendship. Set during their final session, the opera explores themes of grief, migration, care work, mental health, domestic abuse, and celebrates connection, resilience, and the unexpected humour that can surface even in tough times.
World premiere in March 2022 as part of Coventry City of Culture.

Musical direction by Berak Dyer.
Directed by Lucy Bradley.
Cast: Nina Bennet, Kelly Glyptis, Grace Nyandoro, and Claire Wild.

Supported using public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, Spirit of 2012 via Coventry City of Culture Trust, and the Heart of England Community Foundation.

Highlights video (12 mins) Her Day Highlights

Red Seed

An operatic work in development, a short extract was performed with the Mosaic Collective at Grimeborn 2018, Arcola, with international soprano Jessie Tse.