The Light of Paradise by Paul Mealor is a fifty-minute choral opera in fourteen devotions, composed for choir and saxophone quartet. Commissioned by the Zurich Chamber Singers, the work delves into the visionary life of Margery Kempe, the medieval English mystic renowned for her spiritual revelations and autobiographical writings.
Structured as a series of devotional meditations, the opera offers an immersive journey through themes of ecstasy, suffering, divine insight, and transformation. Both choir and soloists are required not only to sing but also to move between five physical stations throughout the performance, creating a visual pilgrimage that mirrors Kempe’s spiritual odyssey.
Mealor’s musical language is lush, contemplative, and emotionally intense, with the saxophone quartet acting as a spiritual thread connecting the devotions. The work is ideally suited for accomplished ensembles seeking to explore a compelling modern composition with dramatic impact and rich historical resonance.
| Genres | Opera |
| Format | Vocal Score |
| NumberOfPages | 128 |
| Media | Sheet Music |
| Publisher | Novello and Co |
| Contributors | Mealor, Paul(Composer) |
| Language | English |