Anya 17 Wins Media Award

The RNCM is delighted to announce that the libretto of Adam Gorb (Head of Composition) and Ben Kaye’s unique new opera, Anya17, has won a Human Trafficking Foundation Anti-Slavery Day Media Award for Best Stage or Film Production Raising Awareness of Human Trafficking.

The opera, which premièred in March to great reviews, is the first of its kind to focus on sex-trafficking in the UK and has already gained significant recognition from UK charities, Non-Government Organisations and national media.

Recalling the ceremony, Ben said: ‘Standing up there on the podium at The House of Commons, I’d almost forgotten how this project started. Having been turned down by The Arts Council for a grant to write the libretto (for about £1000 if I remember), I found myself a job working in an open-air factory in December with snow on the ground, for £30 a day. I used to go out for my 15 minute lunch break and write in the freezing car.

‘Then, despite my fragile belief, came the gradual support from the RNCM, the 11 NGO’s, The Royal Liverpool Phil, the wonderful performances in Liverpool and Manchester, the invitation to The House of Lords, then 10 Downing Street and then finally the House of Commons last week.

‘Quite a contrast, and it does reinforce my long-held tennet that ‘If it feels right… it must be.’’

The Human Trafficking Foundation Awards were introduced to highlight and commend the efforts of those in the media that have most effectively shed light on the issue of human trafficking in the UK. The winners were unveiled by Minister for Immigration Damian Green MP at a lunchtime ceremony at the House of Lords on October 17.

Anya 17, directed by Caroline Clegg, was performed at the RNCM in March by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Ensemble 10/10 and vocal students from the College. Next year it will receive performances in Romania, with interest also coming from Germany, Australia, the USA, and The Women's Human Rights Commission of Korea.

Ben adds: ‘Surely this is a testament to the power of words, music and what can be achieved when such artistically-unfettered organisations such as the RNCM and Liverpool Phil work together.’

To learn more about the Human Trafficking Foundation visit here 

17 October 2012