Colline in "Boheme" with Maryland Opera's "Morte e Vita!"
2024-11-17 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Church of the Redeemer, 5603 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, 21210, United States
The operas of Puccini reach our hearts and souls perhaps more than any other composer. Generations of opera lovers attest to these immortal stories of life and death that are limned with music of superlative emotional power. These three great finales represent profound tragedy and passion but also teach us about the power and indomitable resilience of our human spirit. Join us for an evening of tears, revelation, and unending beauty. – Maryland Opera
Link to Tickets

Program:
Manon Lescaut / Act 4
Madama Butterfly / Act 3
20min Intermission
La Boheme / Act 4
Photo: Maryland Opera
*Sung in Italian with English Surtitles

A Reading: Delta King's Blues by Composer Damien Geter and Librettist Jarrod Lee
2025-01-26 16:00 - 17:30 | Martin Luther King Library Auditorium, 901 G. Street NW, Washington D.C., 20001
Delta King’s Blues
Damien Geter, composer
Jarrod Lee, librettist
Commissioned by IN Series
Link to Tickets (Reading and Reception) here
Premiere Fall 2025
Illustration by David Plunkert

In its 2025-2026 season, IN Series will proudly present the World Premiere of a new “blues opera” called DELTA KING’S BLUES. This multi-year commissioning project is the brainchild of librettist Jarrod Lee, and will feature a score by Damien Geter, one of America’s most sought after opera composers today. This, the first full commission of an opera by IN Series, tells the (mostly) true story of legendary blues artist Robert Johnson, who is said to have sold his soul to the devil to learn the blues. This new truly American Faust, will have its first public musical reading on January 26th, 2025, with a cast of rising operatic stars, led by IN Series Head of Music Emily Baltzer, and with composer Damien Geter present. – IN Series

Featuring:
Robert Johnson (tenor): Curtis Bannister
The Devil (bass): Carl Dupont
Virginia (soprano): Melissa Wimbish
Willie (baritone): Marvin Wayne Allen
Son (tenor): Jonathan Pierce Rhodes
Music Director: Emily Baltzer

Premiere: Kandake by Composer Timothy Amukele and Librettist Jarrod Lee
2025-02-06 19:30 - 21:00 | COCA, 6880 Washington Street, St. Louis, MO, 63130, United States
Opera Theatre of St. Louis (OTSL) presents three all-new 20-minute works including Black Coffee by Composer Concert Black and Librettist Alicia Revé Like, Family Style by Composer Meilina and Librettist Melissa Tien, and Kandake by Composer Timothy Amukele and Librettist Jarrod Lee!

About Kandake: In the ancient African kingdom of Kush, queens were known as the Kandake. Discover the true story of Kandake Amanirenas, the warrior queen who defied the might of the Roman Empire. When Amanirenas learns that a Roman army has captured the Kush city of Philae, she’ll stop at nothing to protect her people’s liberty…including single-handed combat against a deadly centurion. This action-packed opera brings to vivid life one of history’s greatest unknown heroines. – OTSL

Cast of Kandake: Cierra Byrd (Kandake Amanirenas), Martin Luther Clark (Akinidad), Emilie Kealani (Oracle), Taylor Alexis-DuPont (Oracle), James Stevens (Kushite), Paul Chwe Minchul An (Kushite) / Darwin Aquino (Conductor), Richard Gammon (Stage Director), Jonathan Heaney (Repetiteur) / Artwork by OTSL

Performances: February 6, 7, and 8, 2025 / 7:30pm
FREE Opening Night Champagne Reception in the Lobby!
Link to Tickets for Feb. 6th / OTSL New Works Collective 2025
Link to Press Release for OTSL New Works Collective 2025

Kandake by Timothy Amukele and Jarrod Lee
2025-02-07 19:30 - 21:00 | COCA, 6880 Washington Street, St. Louis, MO, 63130, United States
Opera Theatre of St. Louis (OTSL) presents three all-new 20-minute works including Black Coffee by Composer Concert Black and Librettist Alicia Revé Like, Family Style by Composer Meilina and Librettist Melissa Tien, and Kandake by Composer Timothy Amukele and Librettist Jarrod Lee!

About Kandake: In the ancient African kingdom of Kush, queens were known as the Kandake. Discover the true story of Kandake Amanirenas, the warrior queen who defied the might of the Roman Empire. When Amanirenas learns that a Roman army has captured the Kush city of Philae, she’ll stop at nothing to protect her people’s liberty…including single-handed combat against a deadly centurion. This action-packed opera brings to vivid life one of history’s greatest unknown heroines. – OTSL

Cast of Kandake: Cierra Byrd (Kandake Amanirenas), Martin Luther Clark (Akinidad), Emilie Kealani (Oracle), Taylor Alexis-DuPont (Oracle), James Stevens (Kushite), Paul Chwe Minchul An (Kushite) / Darwin Aquino (Conductor), Richard Gammon (Stage Director), Jonathan Heaney (Repetiteur) / Artwork by OTSL

Performances: February 6, 7, and 8, 2025 / 7:30pm
After Show “Talk Back” on stage with the creators of the New Works Collective
Link to Tickets for Feb. 7th / OTSL New Works Collective 2025
Link to Press Release for OTSL New Works Collective 2025

Kandake by Timothy Amukele and Jarrod Lee
2025-02-08 19:30 - 21:00 | COCA, 6880 Washington Street, St. Louis, MO, 63130, United States
Opera Theatre of St. Louis (OTSL) presents three all-new 20-minute works including Black Coffee by Composer Concert Black and Librettist Alicia Revé Like, Family Style by Composer Meilina and Librettist Melissa Tien, and Kandake by Composer Timothy Amukele and Librettist Jarrod Lee!

About Kandake: In the ancient African kingdom of Kush, queens were known as the Kandake. Discover the true story of Kandake Amanirenas, the warrior queen who defied the might of the Roman Empire. When Amanirenas learns that a Roman army has captured the Kush city of Philae, she’ll stop at nothing to protect her people’s liberty…including single-handed combat against a deadly centurion. This action-packed opera brings to vivid life one of history’s greatest unknown heroines. – OTSL

Cast of Kandake: Cierra Byrd (Kandake Amanirenas), Martin Luther Clark (Akinidad), Emilie Kealani (Oracle), Taylor Alexis-DuPont (Oracle), James Stevens (Kushite), Paul Chwe Minchul An (Kushite) / Darwin Aquino (Conductor), Richard Gammon (Stage Director), Jonathan Heaney (Repetiteur) / Artwork by OTSL

Performances: February 6, 7, and 8, 2025 / 7:30pm
Closing Night After Party at In Da Loop with pizza and karaoke
Link to Tickets for Feb. 8th / OTSL New Works Collective 2025
Link to Press Release for OTSL New Works Collective 2025

Performing as Dagoo in Moby Dick by Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer / Metropolitan Opera
2025-03-03 08:00 - 2025-03-29 17:00 | Metropolitan Opera, 30 Lincoln City Plaza, New York, NY, 10023, United States
Following the haunting Met premiere of his first opera, Dead Man Walking, composer Jake Heggie returns to the company with his 2010 adaptation of Herman Melville’s sea-drenched, heaven-storming epic. A cast of standouts comes together on the decks of the Pequod, with tenor Brandon Jovanovich starring as the monomaniacal Captain Ahab, implacable in his pursuit of the white whale; tenor Stephen Costello as Greenhorn, the opera’s version of Ishmael; baritone Peter Mattei as the even-keeled first mate Starbuck; and bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green as the Polynesian harpooneer Queequeg. The cast also features soprano Janai Brugger as Pip, tenor William Burden as Flask, and baritone Malcolm MacKenzie as Stubb. Maestro Karen Kamensek takes the podium for a stunning staging by Leonard Foglia that arrives at the Met newly enlarged and refined following acclaimed runs in Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. – Metropolitan Opera

Performing as Undertaker in Porgy and Bess by the George and Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward / Washington National Opera
2025-05-23 08:00 - 2025-05-31 17:00 | Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC, 20566, United States
WNO revival
Love shines a light into the blues.
It’s “summertime, and the livin’ is easy” in Catfish Row, a working-class fishing town in South Carolina. When a murder shakes the community and tempts Bess to return to her drug-filled past, Porgy becomes her unlikely refuge. As a hurricane descends and Bess’ violent old flame returns, she’ll find herself torn between Porgy’s steadfast love and the demons that tempt her.
Artistic Director Francesca Zambello’s adaptation of Gershwin’s landmark “folk opera” returns after playing to critical acclaim across renowned opera stages. Often considered the first great American opera, Porgy and Bess melds jazz, gospel, and folk styles. A new generation of talented singers assembles to take on Gershwin’s beloved music, from the gentle duet “Bess, You Is My Woman Now” to the instantly recognizable “Summertime” lullaby.
Themes of community resilience, acceptance, and redemption weave through this poignant story, ultimately asking if even the most unwavering love can drive out darkness. – Washington National Opera

Hello, Star: Webinar / the creative path of bringing Hello, Star to the stage
2025-10-08 15:30 - 17:30 | MD
“Join the Racial Justice Opera Network for a conversation on the artistic process of creating a new work and the collaboration between creators and producers. The webinar spotlights Hello, Star, a forthcoming opera by composer Carla Lucero and librettist Jarrod Lee, adapted from the novel by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic. The piece honors the contributions of Black women in science through the heartfelt journey of a young girl who heeds the call of a dying star. Creatives Lucianovic, Lucero, and Lee will be joined by artistic directors Nicole Paiement (Opera Parallèle) and Mary Duncan Steidl (Peabody Opera) to discuss the creative path of bringing Hello, Star to the stage. ” – OPERA America

tickets to Hello, Star webinar / Moderator: Quo Johnson

Hello, Star by Carla Lucero and Jarrod Lee
2025-10-25 | Creativity Theater at Children’s Creativity Museum, 221 4th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103
Opera Parallèle launches its season with the world premiere of Hello, Star, a family-friendly opera that celebrates curiosity and the contributions of Black women to science. Composed by Carla Lucero with a libretto by Jarrod Lee, the opera is based on the book by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic and features the University of San Francisco Chorus. This 50-minute, one-act production is part of the company’s “Hands-On Opera” community engagement program. – Opera Parallèle

Link to Oct. 25th / 2pm tickets to Hello, Star
Link to Oct. 25th / 4pm tickets to Hello, Star

Hello, Star by Carla Lucero and Jarrod Lee
2025-10-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Creativity Theater at Children’s Creativity Museum, 221 4th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103
Opera Parallèle launches its season with the world premiere of Hello, Star, a family-friendly opera that celebrates curiosity and the contributions of Black women to science. Composed by Carla Lucero with a libretto by Jarrod Lee, the opera is based on the book by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic and features the University of San Francisco Chorus. This 50-minute, one-act production is part of the company’s “Hands-On Opera” community engagement program. – Opera Parallèle

Link to Oct. 26th / 2pm Tickets for Hello, Star

The Delta King's Blues by Damien Geter and Jarrod Lee
2025-12-06 19:30 - 21:00 | The Pop Up Theater 340 Maple Drive D.C., 340 Maple Dr. SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
THE DELTA KING’S BLUES | World Premiere
Music by Damien Geter
Libretto by Jarrod Lee
December 6, 7 (matinee), 12, 13, 14 (matinee), 2025
340 Maple Dr. Washington, DC
December 19, 20, 21 (matinee), 2025
2640 Space Baltimore, MD
Link to Tickets for Dec. 6th

The first full opera commissioned by IN Series, this World Premiere of THE DELTA KING’S BLUES marks the culmination of a multi-year project to celebrate the legacy of legendary guitarist Robert Johnson with a “blues opera” that tells the Faustian story of the bargain he struck with the devil – selling his immortal soul to learn the language of the blues, America’s original music. An orchestra mix of blues and classical musicians joins a cast of leading artists from around the country and an immersive juke-joint experience that sings, dances, hollers, laughs, and mourns in a brilliant new score by Damien Geter and texts for Jarrod Lee. – IN Series / art by David Plunkert

The Delta King's Blues by Damien Geter and Jarrod Lee
2025-12-07 14:30 - 16:00 | The Pop Up Theater 340 Maple Drive D.C., 340 Maple Dr. SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
THE DELTA KING’S BLUES | World Premiere
Music by Damien Geter
Libretto by Jarrod Lee
December 6, 7 (matinee), 12, 13, 14 (matinee), 2025
340 Maple Dr. Washington, DC
December 19, 20, 21 (matinee), 2025
2640 Space Baltimore, MD
Link to Tickets for Dec. 7th

The first full opera commissioned by IN Series, this World Premiere of THE DELTA KING’S BLUES marks the culmination of a multi-year project to celebrate the legacy of legendary guitarist Robert Johnson with a “blues opera” that tells the Faustian story of the bargain he struck with the devil – selling his immortal soul to learn the language of the blues, America’s original music. An orchestra mix of blues and classical musicians joins a cast of leading artists from around the country and an immersive juke-joint experience that sings, dances, hollers, laughs, and mourns in a brilliant new score by Damien Geter and texts for Jarrod Lee – IN Series / art by David Plunkert

The Delta King's Blues by Damien Geter and Jarrod Lee
2025-12-12 19:30 - 21:00 | The Pop Up Theater 340 Maple Drive D.C., 340 Maple Dr. SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
THE DELTA KING’S BLUES | World Premiere
Music by Damien Geter
Libretto by Jarrod Lee
December 6, 7 (matinee), 12, 13, 14 (matinee), 2025
340 Maple Dr. Washington, DC
December 19, 20, 21 (matinee), 2025
2640 Space Baltimore, MD
Link to Tickets for Dec. 12th

The first full opera commissioned by IN Series, this World Premiere of THE DELTA KING’S BLUES marks the culmination of a multi-year project to celebrate the legacy of legendary guitarist Robert Johnson with a “blues opera” that tells the Faustian story of the bargain he struck with the devil – selling his immortal soul to learn the language of the blues, America’s original music. An orchestra mix of blues and classical musicians joins a cast of leading artists from around the country and an immersive juke-joint experience that sings, dances, hollers, laughs, and mourns in a brilliant new score by Damien Geter and texts for Jarrod Lee – IN Series / art by David Plunkert

The Delta King's Blues by Damien Geter and Jarrod Lee
2025-12-13 19:30 - 21:00 | The Pop Up Theater 340 Maple Drive D.C., 340 Maple Dr. SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
THE DELTA KING’S BLUES | World Premiere
Music by Damien Geter
Libretto by Jarrod Lee
December 6, 7 (matinee), 12, 13, 14 (matinee), 2025
340 Maple Dr. Washington, DC
December 19, 20, 21 (matinee), 2025
2640 Space Baltimore, MD
Link to Tickets for Dec. 13th

The first full opera commissioned by IN Series, this World Premiere of THE DELTA KING’S BLUES marks the culmination of a multi-year project to celebrate the legacy of legendary guitarist Robert Johnson with a “blues opera” that tells the Faustian story of the bargain he struck with the devil – selling his immortal soul to learn the language of the blues, America’s original music. An orchestra mix of blues and classical musicians joins a cast of leading artists from around the country and an immersive juke-joint experience that sings, dances, hollers, laughs, and mourns in a brilliant new score by Damien Geter and texts for Jarrod Lee. – IN Series / art by David Plunkert

The Delta King's Blues by Damien Geter and Jarrod Lee
2025-12-14 19:30 - 21:00 | The Pop Up Theater 340 Maple Drive D.C., 340 Maple Dr. SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
THE DELTA KING’S BLUES | World Premiere
Music by Damien Geter
Libretto by Jarrod Lee
December 6, 7 (matinee), 12, 13, 14 (matinee), 2025
340 Maple Dr. Washington, DC
December 19, 20, 21 (matinee), 2025
2640 Space Baltimore, MD
Link to Tickets for Dec. 14th

The first full opera commissioned by IN Series, this World Premiere of THE DELTA KING’S BLUES marks the culmination of a multi-year project to celebrate the legacy of legendary guitarist Robert Johnson with a “blues opera” that tells the Faustian story of the bargain he struck with the devil – selling his immortal soul to learn the language of the blues, America’s original music. An orchestra mix of blues and classical musicians joins a cast of leading artists from around the country and an immersive juke-joint experience that sings, dances, hollers, laughs, and mourns in a brilliant new score by Damien Geter and texts for Jarrod Lee. – IN Series / art by David Plunkert

The Delta King's Blues by Damien Geter and Jarrod Lee
2025-12-19 19:30 - 21:00 | 2640 Space, 2640 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, 21218, United States
THE DELTA KING’S BLUES | World Premiere
Music by Damien Geter
Libretto by Jarrod Lee
December 6, 7 (matinee), 12, 13, 14 (matinee), 2025
340 Maple Dr. Washington, DC
December 19, 20, 21 (matinee), 2025
2640 Space Baltimore, MD
Link to Tickets for Dec. 19th

The first full opera commissioned by IN Series, this World Premiere of THE DELTA KING’S BLUES marks the culmination of a multi-year project to celebrate the legacy of legendary guitarist Robert Johnson with a “blues opera” that tells the Faustian story of the bargain he struck with the devil – selling his immortal soul to learn the language of the blues, America’s original music. An orchestra mix of blues and classical musicians joins a cast of leading artists from around the country and an immersive juke-joint experience that sings, dances, hollers, laughs, and mourns in a brilliant new score by Damien Geter and texts for Jarrod Lee. – IN Series / art by David Plunkert

The Delta King's Blues by Damien Geter and Jarrod Lee
2025-12-20 19:30 - 21:00 | 2640 Space, 2640 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, 21218, United States
THE DELTA KING’S BLUES | World Premiere
Music by Damien Geter
Libretto by Jarrod Lee
December 6, 7 (matinee), 12, 13, 14 (matinee), 2025
340 Maple Dr. Washington, DC
December 19, 20, 21 (matinee), 2025
2640 Space Baltimore, MD
Link to Tickets for Dec. 20th

The first full opera commissioned by IN Series, this World Premiere of THE DELTA KING’S BLUES marks the culmination of a multi-year project to celebrate the legacy of legendary guitarist Robert Johnson with a “blues opera” that tells the Faustian story of the bargain he struck with the devil – selling his immortal soul to learn the language of the blues, America’s original music. An orchestra mix of blues and classical musicians joins a cast of leading artists from around the country and an immersive juke-joint experience that sings, dances, hollers, laughs, and mourns in a brilliant new score by Damien Geter and texts for Jarrod Lee. – IN Series / art by David Plunkert

The Delta King's Blues by Damien Geter and Jarrod Lee
2025-12-21 14:30 - 16:00 | 2640 Space, 2640 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, 21218, United States
THE DELTA KING’S BLUES | World Premiere
Music by Damien Geter
Libretto by Jarrod Lee
December 6, 7 (matinee), 12, 13, 14 (matinee), 2025
340 Maple Dr. Washington, DC
December 19, 20, 21 (matinee), 2025
2640 Space Baltimore, MD
Link to Tickets for Dec. 21st

The first full opera commissioned by IN Series, this World Premiere of THE DELTA KING’S BLUES marks the culmination of a multi-year project to celebrate the legacy of legendary guitarist Robert Johnson with a “blues opera” that tells the Faustian story of the bargain he struck with the devil – selling his immortal soul to learn the language of the blues, America’s original music. An orchestra mix of blues and classical musicians joins a cast of leading artists from around the country and an immersive juke-joint experience that sings, dances, hollers, laughs, and mourns in a brilliant new score by Damien Geter and texts for Jarrod Lee. – IN Series / art by David Plunkert

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 | 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

Masterclass with Jarrod Lee at Jackson State University / Opera South
2026-03-23 12:00 - 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

Osher at Johns Hopkins University / Page to Stage: Turning a Children's Book into a Family Opera
2026-04-06 00:00 - 2026-05-11 00:00 | MD
“Osher at JHU celebrates nearly 40 years of offering intellectually stimulating courses and educational programs. Expand your academic horizons in retirement with our vibrant community of lifelong learners, proudly supported by Johns Hopkins University and the Bernard Osher Foundation.” – Osher at JHU
Link to Jarrod’s Spring Class Description: Page to Stage: Turning a Children’s Book into a Family Opera
Link to registration and location for Jarrod’s class coming soon…
Dates for Classes: April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11 / 1pm – 3pm

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 coming soon…

Artwork by Steve Prince
