Set on a desolate coastline, Helen Gifford’s exquisite chamber opera, Exile, explored the psychological state of Iphigenia as she reflects on her time as a high priestess of human sacrifices. Exile was the ultimate and dramatic combining of Greek tragedy, chamber opera, advanced digital media, new mobile technologies and contemporary music.

Exile featured acclaimed soprano Deborah Kayser with an ensemble of percussionists, clarinets, piccolo and mandolin, with pre- recorded mandolin-guitar and women’s chorus.

The work combined operatic performance with the extraordinarily textured and layered virtual gaming visuals by cult new media artists Champagne Valentine (Amsterdam).

Exile was recorded in front of a live audience at the Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre by ABC Classic FM and then transformed into an interactive music-video iPad application in Amsterdam by Champagne Valentine.

This project was supported through Aphids by the City of Melbourne, Arts Victoria, Sweet Design and private donations.