Jarrod Lee

Hello, Star by Carla Lucero and Jarrod Lee
2026-02-12 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-02-13 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-02-14 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-02-15 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Theater Project, 45 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, United States
…”the opera is singable, absorbing, suitable for the young singer performing the role of Celeste, with lovely choral writing.”- Lisa Hirsch / San Francisco Chronicle

Composer: Carla Lucero
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Co-commissioned by Opera Parallèle and The Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University
Based on the book “Hello, Star” by Stephanie S. V. Lucianovic with Illustrations by Vashti Harrison

Synopsis: A young girl named Celeste is captivated by a call from a bright dying star. With curiosity as her leader and her Mother as guide, she still questions her ability to meet the star before it fades away. Will she allow her self-doubts and expectations of what should happen get the best of her curiosity or will she achieve her goal and see possibilities beyond her wildest dreams?

Directed by Mary Duncan
Conducted by Gloria Yin
Singers and orchestra from The Peabody Opera Theater
Approx. 55 minutes without intermission
Sung in English, ages 6 +
(Followed by a short audience talk back with the cast and creatives)

February 12 @ 7:30pm
February 13 @ 7:30pm
February 14 @ 7:30pm
February 15 @ 3:00pm

General Admission: $25
Seniors: $15
Students: $10
Link to Tickets: Hello, Star at the Theater Project
*Tickets are non-refundable.
**Tickets are also available at the door beginning 45 minutes prior to each show.

New Voices in Opera: Discovery / a taste of Oshun and Kandake
2026-02-22 06:00 - 20:00 | Roland Park Community Center, 5802 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21210, United States
Get in at the ground floor with this exploration of the creation of Oshun by Composer B.E. Boykin and Kandake by Composer Timothy Amukele with both librettos by Librettist, Jarrod Lee. Librettist Jarrod Lee will take you behind the curtain and share his inspirations for setting these beautiful stories as operas. Then enjoy cocktails created by Peter Wood of the Spirit Shop on Falls Road inspired by the stories and music. Light fare will be available as you view the concept designs for the projections we’ll use for the February 28 performance. And then meet two of the stars of the shows as they sing excerpts from the operas and answer your questions. – Maryland Opera

Link to Tickets to New Voices in Opera Discovery / a taste of Oshun and Kandake on Feb. 22 / 6pm

Oshun by B.E. Boykin and Kandake by Timothy Amukele *a double bill
2026-02-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Grace United Methodist Church, 5407 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, 21210, United States
“Our newest initiative brings fresh operatic works to the Maryland Opera stage. The evening features a double bill of new works by composers with a connection to our performing community in the greater Baltimore area as well as a pre-show introduction to these stories and a post-show Q&A with the creative team. We are thrilled to work with these talented creators to bring something brand new to our stage.” – Maryland Opera

Link to tickets for Double Bill Oshun and Kandake

Conductor: Anoa Green
Rehearsal/Performance Pianist: James Harp
Stage Directors: Jarrod Lee and Shawna Williams (and choreographer)
Projection Designer: Chloe McNeill
Costume Designer: Alia Davis Brown

Oshun
Composer: B.E. Boykin
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by the Washington National Opera
Premiered: 2023

Cast:
Oshun (soprano): Jouelle Roberson
Shango (baritone): Daniel J. Smith
Esu (tenor): Anthony Ballard
Olodumare (bass): Christian Simmons

Kandake
Composer: Timothy Amukele
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by Opera Theater of St. Louis
Premiered: 2025

Cast:
Kandake Amanirenas (mezzo): Taylor Boykins
Prince Akinidad (tenor): Anthony Ballard
Oracles 1 and 2 (soprano and mezzo): Sierra Leslie and Abjini Chattopadhyay
Kushite 1 and 2 (tenor and bass): Darius Sanders and Christian Simmons

Offstage Artists:
Nazarene Maloney (soprano), Laquavia Alston (mezzo), Henry Hubbard (tenor), Darius Jackson (bass)

Artwork by Maryland Opera

Excerpt from Oshun and Kandake / Discover Maryland Opera
2026-03-21 03:00 - 17:00 | Roland Park Community Center, 5802 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21210, United States
Join James Harp, Artistic Director, and the Directors of Maryland Opera for cocktails and conversation about where we’ve been and where we’re going. The event will feature live performances by soprano Jouelle Roberson and tenor Anthony Ballard of excerpts from our sold-out production of Oshun & Kandake and our upcoming production of Madama Butterfly, as well as signature cocktails inspired by all three operas created by Peter Wood of The Spirit Shop on Falls Road. Enjoy light fare while you explore with us both our past and our exciting future. Sip and discover all the ways we are working to build bridges between traditional and new opera, opera lovers and opera newcomers alike!

Mini-Residency at Jackson State University / Opera South
2026-03-23 12:00 - 2026-03-25 14:00 | F.D. Hall Music Center, Jimmie James, Jr. Recital Hall, 1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS, 39217, United States
Join Jarrod Lee for an engaging masterclass and career talk exploring the realities of life as an opera singer and opera librettist, from the stage to the writing desk. Gain rare insight into building a sustainable and creative career in the arts. – Opera South

Opera South at Jackson State University in Mississippi: Welcome to OPERA/SOUTH, where we are committed to reshaping and elevating the cultural aesthetics of opera. Our “historic” organization is housed on the campus of Jackson State University, an HBCU located in Jackson, Mississippi. We are dedicated to creating a more inclusive and diverse opera scene by including underserved areas and communities, training young artists, and highlighting operas with culturally responsive themes and those by Afro-Diasporic and Latinx composers. At OPERA/SOUTH, we believe that opera should be accessible to everyone and that it has the power to bring people together.

Link to Opera South’s Revitalization Initiative

Promised Land by Composer Glenn McClure and Librettist Jarrod Lee / in Concert
2026-05-08 19:30 - 21:00 | St. Bernard’s Church, 27 Street St. Bernard's Street, Saranac Lake, NY, 12983, United States
The Northern Lights Choir, under the direction of Artistic Director Helen Demong will present excerpts from Promised Land: An Adirondack Folk Opera by Composer Glenn McClure and new libretto by Librettist Jarrod Lee.

Synopsis: For the love of freedom and democracy, Lyman and Anna Epps move to the Adirondacks to become land owners and Lyman getting the right to vote. John and Mary Brown, abolitionists, become strong advocates for the Epps and other Black settlers coming for the promise of a new life. In the wake of death by man and weather, Anna and Mary aim to keep their vows to support their husbands at any cost for Lyman to cast a vote in the name of democracy.

Link to Tickets for The Northern Lights Choir Spring Concert featuring excerpts from Promised Land

Artwork by Steve Prince
