The Weekend an opera in 3 acts by Robert Hugill The Weekend is based on the novel of the same name by Peter Cameron. Cast: Lyle (baritone) an art critic living in New York Robert (baritone) a young artist, half Indian, also living in New York Tony (counter-tenor) Lyle’s lover, John's elder half-brother. He died a year ago. John (tenor) Tony’s half-brother, living in upstate New York. He and Lyle have been lovers for three weeks. Marian (soprano) John’s wife, mother of Roland Laura (contralto) an Italian woman holidaying in upstate New York, an acquaintance of John’s mother Nina (soprano) an actress in low-budget films, Laura’s daughter Instrumental Ensemble: 2 Oboes, 2 Horns, Pianos, Strings

As the weekend progresses its events (a swim in the river, a meal outside, a walk in the woods) become highly charged. Via flashbacks we learn more of the characters' background. The tension threatens to fracture relationships, as each person struggles to come to terms with loss. Marian, recovering from depression and worried about the health of her young son Roland, resents Robert's presence and the way that Lyle seems to have so quickly replaced Tony. Lyle, still coming to terms with Tony's loss has been avoiding facing up to Marion and John and their country house, the people and place that meant the most to Lyle and Tony. Lyle is please and surprised to find that can still feel desire and simply wishes to enjoy his new relationship. Robert, feeling under pressure by the tension surrounding the weekend and Marion's suppressed disapproval, needs the commitment that Lyle is reluctant to give.