Writer

“The character goes through a substantial arc in the opera’s short time span, from grieving widow to fierce defender of her people and an advocate for peace and justice.” – Chuck Lavazzi, STL Art Scene for KANDAKE

“Lee’s distillation of this story bears the implicit message that true unity is only possible when we share in one other’s pain and even accept culpability for how our actions or inactions contributed to that pain.” – Daniel Kushner, Roc City News for Two Corners

“the narrative affect was more akin to oral storytelling than ‘traditional’ opera.” – Basil Considine, Twin Cities Arts Reader for Oshun

”at its most successful in the lyrics of those arias that focus on the personal concerns of its characters, and that reflect the resilience of Black folks and their allies” – Gregory Ford, D.C. Metro Theatre Arts for Voices of Zion

Jarrod Lee Writer/Librettist

Writer/Librettist Jarrod Lee hails from Sylacauga, AL, and presently resides in Baltimore, MD. Lee’s collaborations include: Delta King’s Blues with composer Damien Geter, What is Love? An AI Story, which was awarded Crowd Favorite and Runner-up with the ATL 96hr Opera Festival/Competition, Kandake, a community opera called Spirit Moves and an art song cycle called Journey to You with composer Timothy Amukele, Oshun and Two Corners with composer B.E. Boykin, Voices of Zion, the art song See your Equal, which placed third in the composition category of the George Shirley Vocal Competition, with composer Ronald “Trey” Walton and a future collaboration with composer Carla Lucero will be announced soon. Lee has received commissions from the Alliance for New Music Theater, the Atlanta Opera, IN Series, Finger Lakes Opera, Opera Parallèle, Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the Washington National Opera. In addition to original stories, Jarrod translated a deconstruction of Die Zauberflӧte called Black Flute with playwright Sybil Roberts. As an opera singer, Jarrod draws from his performance experiences when creating new stories. In concert with writing and performing, Lee works in Performing Arts Administration and Consulting as the Director of Education for Maryland Opera, Community Engagement Consultant for Finger Lakes Opera for Two Corners, and as the Projects Director for the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA). Lee’s work is influenced by his experience of being Black, Gay, and American, adding to the canon of stories written by Black Americans for the operatic stage.

Catalog of Stories / Click the Story for Details

Delta King's Blues

Delta King’s Blues

Composer: Damien Geter

Librettist: Jarrod Lee

Commissioned by IN Series

Premiere: Fall 2025

Link to Tickets (Reading and Reception) here Sunday / January 25, 2025 at 4pm in Washington D.C. at the Martin Luther King Library Auditorium

Photo above by Robert Mercer

IN Series Illustration for Delta King’s Blues: David Plunkert

Synopsis: Robert Johnson, the future Delta King of Blues, runs with embarrassment after a failed attempt to impress Willie, Son and Virginia with his playing of a steel stringed guitar named Stella. Robert seeks God’s help but with no response to his desperate plea for revenge, the Devil suddenly appears and offers Robert guitar lessons. Robert is at a crossroad and is offered a choice to leave the Devil and be a mediocre guitarist or accept the offer for the cost of his soul. With a desire to be seen and remembered, Robert accepts the Devil’s guitar lessons and returns as the best player of the steel stringed guitar.

Characters: *Characters are intended to be Black. Devil may be of any race.

Willie (baritone)

Son (tenor)

Robert Johnson (tenor)

The Devil (bass)

Virginia (soprano)

Stella (guitar and woman identifying dancer)

Inquiries for licensing or commissions to expand the opera? Please contact Jarrod Lee and Damien Geter.

Jarrod Lee is represented by UIA Talent Agency / Aaron Sanko, [email protected] / Shawn Marie Jeffery / [email protected]

Damien Geter is represented by Visconti Arts

Kandake

Kandake

Composer: Timothy Amukele

Librettist: Jarrod Lee

Commissioned by Opera Theatre of St. Louis (OTSL)

Premiere: Feb. 2025

“…for expansion into full-length form, Kandake was the clear candidate, its narrative ambition and dramatic breadth demanding a longer canvas.” – Chase Adams, Poplife STL

“Musically, it is grand and African.” – Steve Callahan, Broadway World

Synopsis: As the Kingdom of Kush thrives under the rule of King Teriteqas and Kandake Amanirenas (Queen Amanirenas), the Romans plan to increase their territory by attacking the Kingdom of Kush. Amanirenas fights alongside her husband, but Teriteqas suffers a fatal blow and succumbs to his wounds. Amanirenas’ mourning is interrupted by her son, Akinidad, who shares the news that Rome has overtaken Philae with plans to seize her throne and the riches of Kush. Should she lead an attack on the Roman occupied Philae while their troops are distracted by Arabia or should Kush pay taxes to keep their land? With the blessing of their ancestors, she leads a victorious battle and reclaims Philae. As a warning, she sends golden arrows to the Roman Emperor with a message to receive the arrows as gifts or use them as weapons should Rome decide to invade her Kingdom of Kush.

Characters: (6 singers, 4 dancers) *Amanirenas (mezzo),*Akinidad (tenor or baritone), Oracles (soprano & mezzo), Kushite 1 (tenor), Kushite 2/Roman Centurion (bass-baritone or bass), Kushite Soldiers (2 dancers), Roman Soldiers (2 dancers) / *Black characters include: Amanirenas and Akinidad. Other Kushites intended to be People of Color.

11 Member Orchestra: Flute, Bassoon, Clarinet, Keyboard, Percussion, Violin (1,2), Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Drum set, Optional Djembe player / *can be arranged for an orchestra of 9

Link to Kandake Premiere…coming soon

Link to OTSL New Works Collective: press release March 2024

Photo by Phillip Hamer: L to R: Tayler Alexis DuPont, Paul Chwe MinChul An, Cierra Byrd, Martin Luther Clark, Emilie Kealani

Photographer: Robert Mercer / Cover Photo: Phillip Hamer

Inquiries for licensing or commissions to expand the opera?

Please contact Jarrod Lee and Timothy Amukele

Jarrod Lee is represented by UIA Talent Agency / Aaron Sanko, [email protected] / Shawn Marie Jeffery, [email protected]

Two Corners

Two Corners

Composer: B.E. Boykin
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by Finger Lakes Opera
Premiere: June 2024

…”a polished opera ready for multiple productions at opera companies across the country.” – Daniel J. Kushner/Roc City News

Synopsis: Florine Boykin leads her childhood friend Sarah down memory lane by the nostalgic power of a radio to examine and review their friendship in the midst of racial tension surrounding them in the segregated and rural town of Wedowee, Alabama. Their bond is tested as they revisit memories and confront their shared past from different perspectives. Can their friendship survive the mid-twentieth century racial disparities, or was their friendship a part of their imagination?

Orchestra: Winds, Horns, Percussion, Strings

Length: 45min to 1hr

Cast: Sarah (soprano), Florine (soprano), Hollis (baritone), Ken/Hobart/JFK (tenor), Julia (mezzo), Winnie (soprano), Radio Announcer/Store Clerk/Doctor (tenor), Young Florine (dancer), Young Sarah (dancer), Children of Florine and Hollis (2 actors & a baby prop) *Characters that are Black include: Florine, Hollis, their children, and Julia

Production from the Premiere: Gerard Floriano (conductor), Kimille Howard (stage director), Cori Ellison (dramaturg), John D. Alexander (lighting designer), Kimberly V. Powers (set designer), Mary Farmer (costume designer), Andreana Lipomi (wig & makeup), David Moffitt (videographer),

Cover Photo: Left to Right: Young Florine (Kiara Haywood), Florine (Kearstin Piper Brown), Sarah (Kate Johnson), Young Sarah (Sabrina Cmelak), Kelly Kester (photographer)

Link to sample from Two Corners from Finger Lakes Opera workshop

Link to Creative Team, Cast, and Production for Two Corners from the Premiere

Link to Opera America awards Finger Lakes Opera

Inquiries for licensing or commissions to expand the opera?

Please contact Jarrod Lee and B.E. Boykin

Composer and Librettist Representation: UIA / Aaron Sanko & Shawn Marie Jeffery / [email protected] & [email protected]

What is Love? An AI Story

Jarrod Lee in Yellow / Photographer: Robert Mercer Jr. — Photographer: Robert Mercer Jr.

What is Love? An AI Story

Composer: Timothy Amukele

Librettist: Jarrod Lee

Commissioned by the Atlanta Opera

Premiere: 2024 / Crowd Favorite Award & Runner-Up to the grand prize

Synopsis: In a post-apocalyptic future after the great war, human embryos were preserved in secure development chambers to be cared for by Andy the android. Andy must transmit all that has been lost to the new humans. Andy learns lessons via a hologram, from its creator who lived over 100 years ago. After thousands of lessons, Andy’s last and most important lesson is “love.” How do you teach love to an android?

Background Story: In an attempt to create life in the future, humans preserved embryos in secure development chambers and prerecorded life lessons via holograms to train androids to become caregivers and teachers for new humans until they are capable of taking care of themselves.

Characters:

Android (Treble or Soprano or a higher Mezzo)

Teacher (Baritone)

Orchestration: Piano

Length: 12min / Ready for Community Engagement, Educational and Outreach programming.

Link to What is Love? An AI Story (begin at 25:00 min)

Link to ATL 96 hour Opera Festival/2024

Photographer: Robert Mercer

Inquiries for licensing or commissions to expand the opera?

Please contact Jarrod Lee and Timothy Amukele

Jarrod Lee is represented by UIA Talent Agency / Aaron Sanko, [email protected] / Shawn Marie Jeffery, [email protected]

The Ordering of Moses

ordering-of-moses

The Ordering of Moses

Composer: Nathaniel Dett

Conducted by Stanley Thurston
Directed by Jarrod Lee* and Timothy Nelson
Choreography by Shawna J. Williams
Artwork by Richshaad Ryan
Design by Maria Bissex and Paul Callahan

…we get to see how the people’s joy, ecstasy, and relief find release and expression through their bodies. – Gregory Ford, DC Metro Arts

Link to The Ordering of Moses on INvision

Length: 45min

Nathaniel Dett’s 1930’s choral oratorio THE ORDERING OF MOSES weaves together classic spirituals into a musical feast that helped ignite America’s civil rights movement. Now IN Series and Heritage Signature Chorale join forces in a first ever staging of this epic masterpiece, in which music and theater, chorus and soloists, surround and immerse audiences in an embodied spiritual and artistic experience – collaborating with DC musicians, dancers, and visual artists, and a cast of nationally recognized vocalists. Inspired by the much acclaimed 2019 L’Enfance du Christ, here a sacred space is transformed with the paintings of Richshaad Ryan into a sanctuary of melody and meaning.

FEATURING: Melissa Wimbish*, Gayssie Lugo. Albert Lee, Carl Dupont*, Elise Jenkins*, Aryssa Leigh Burrs, Brandon Lockhart, Daniel J. Smith, Jihanna Davis, Michael Lodico, Heritage Signature Chorale.

Cover Art: Richshaad Ryan

Photographer: Catrilla Watson

Inquiries on availability to direct? Please contact Jarrod Lee.

*Member of the Cardwell Dawson Artist Fellowship

Oshun

Oshun

Composer: B. E. Boykin
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by Washington National Opera (AOI)
Premiere: Jan. 2023
Link: American Opera Initiative 2022-2023 (AOI)

AOI production shots: Left to Right: Principal Conductor Evan Rogister and the Washington National Opera/KC Orchestra, Christian Simmons as Olodumare, Daniel J. Smith as Shango, Katerina Burton as Oshun and Anthony P. Ballard as Esu. Photo by Scott Suchman

Oshun is a journey of sacrifice, self-love and redemption displayed in the face of those who would deny it. From Oshun’s story we learn that, with help from those who love us well, we can believe and manifest our inner strength even in our darkest hour.

Length: 20min / Languages include English and Yoruba

Characters (4): Oshun (dramatic soprano), Olodumare (bass), Shango (baritone), Esu (tenor) *all characters are intended to be Black

Orchestra (15): Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in B Flat, Bassoon, Horn in F, Trumpet in C, Cymbals, Vibraphone, Djembe, Piano, Violin (1 & 2), Viola, Cello, Double Bass / *can be arranged for a 9 member orchestra

Inquiries for licensing or commissions to expand the opera?

Please contact Jarrod Lee and B.E. Boykin

Both Composer and Librettist are represented by UIA Talent Agency / Aaron Sanko, [email protected] / Shawn Marie Jeffery, [email protected]

Spirit Moves

Spirit Moves

Composer: Dr. Timothy Amukele
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by In Series, D.C.
Premiere: September 2022, remounted in 2023

*Performed for over 500 students with local partnerships that gave seeds for students to plant vegetables on campus.

Link: Spirit Moves (hosted on INvision)

Conceptual Illustration by Tommy Jackson, Graphic Design by Corinne Hayes

Spirit Moves introduces a Black family navigating life’s struggles, finding solace and strength in their shared stories while engaging audiences in the act of storytelling with artist-led call-and-response and shared movement, building community through theater, music, and dance.

Characters: (5 Black Characters including 3 singers, 2 dancers)

Gladys (Mezzo Soprano): Widow of Freddie, Mother of Jerry, Mother-in-law of Lisa, Grandmother of Baby Child.

Baby Child (Treble): Speaking role but sings a little. Child of Jerry and Lisa. Grandchild of Gladys and Freddie. (treble may pick their gender: boy, girl or non-binary)

Jerry (Baritone): Son of Gladys and Freddie, Baby Child’s Father, Widow of Lisa.

Lisa (Dancer): deceased Wife of Jerry / assigned style and instrument(s)

Freddie (Dancer): deceased Husband of Gladys / assigned style and instrument(s)

Orchestration: Bassoon, Djembe drum, and Keyboard w/Organ

Length: 30min

Inquiries for licensing or commissions to expand the opera?

Please contact Jarrod Lee and Timothy Amukele

Jarrod Lee is represented by UIA Talent Agency / Aaron Sanko, [email protected] / Shawn Marie Jeffery, [email protected]

See Your Equal from A Practice In Self-Love

See Your Equal (will become one in an art song set)

Composer: Ronald “Trey” Walton
Lyricist: Jarrod Lee
Placed 3rd in the George Shirley Competition (composition art song category)
Premiere: May 2022
Link: See Your Equal

Pianist: Dr. Kathryn Goodson

Mezzo: Mayah Paden

Text: I want to pour love into a Man unapologetically without hesitation. I want to be the clearest reflection of the work he’s put in, to being a beautiful Man, so that when he sees me he sees his
equal.

Voices of Zion

Composer: Ronald “Trey” Walton
Librettist Playwright: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by Alliance for New Music-Theatre

Premiere: May 2022, prospective remount 2023 in D.C.

Photo: Sheri Jackson and Roz White. Photo taken by Alliance for New Music Theatre
Link to info: Voices of Zion

Black Flute

Black Flute (adaptation/reimagined of Magic Flute)

Composer: Mozart
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Playwright: Sybil Roberts
Commissioned by IN Series, D.C.
Premiere: 2022
Link: Black Flute

YouTube Link for Pamina’s Aria “Ah, I feel” aka “Ah ich fühl’s” sung by Melissa Wimbush

Photo by IN Series from left to right: William Powell the III, Melissa Wimbish, Elise Jenkins, Kristin Young, Carl DuPont and Edward Graves

Mozart’s magical and transformational MAGIC FLUTE comes to life filmed in Washington DC’s iconic neighborhoods. A luminous version by local playwright Sybil Williams and librettist Jarrod Lee* puts new words to unforgettable music crying out that black life matters and exploring what it is to be young, Black, and gifted in opera today. – IN Series

KenYatta Rogers directs a young national cast including artists in the Cardwell Dawson Fellowship:

Carl DuPont as Papageno
Edward Graves as Tamino
Elise Christina Jenkins as Papagena/Third lady
William Powell III as Sarastro
Melissa Wimbish as Pamina/Second Lady
and Kristin Renee Young as Queen of the Night/First Lady with Jabari Exum

Music Direction by Dr. Elizabeth Hill
Directed by KenYatta Rogers, assisted by Michelle Proctor Rogers
Safiya Muthaliff, Stage Manager

Zoe Tompkins, Lighting Coordinator
Videography by DMV Productions

Journey to You

Composer: Dr. Timothy Amukele
Lyricist: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by Alliance for New Music-Theatre
Premiere: Video in 2021, LIVE 2022
Youtube Link: Journey to You

Stories That Need Your Support

Goodnight Ruby

Synopsis: Charlotte, a caretaker in a hospice home, prepares Ruby for bed while participating in Ruby’s plot to remember her first kiss. Ruby’s tactic and only weapon is a melody from her childhood, played by a carnival band one summer night under the stars.

Characters:

Samantha: A mother who is going home to take care of her son.

Ruby: A lovely lady diagnosed with Alzheimer and doesn’t care much for Samantha.

Charlotte: Her grandmother died recently.

Split-Second / LIFE

Split-Second/LIFE

Composer: TBD *seeking commission to secure prospective composer.
Librettist: Jarrod Lee

Scenario: Jim Lieberthal
Commissioned: TBD
Premiere: TBD

Link: coming soon…

Seeking commission to confirm prospective composer and completion of the libretto.

Photo by Alex Jalapa

A deadly crisis triggers a series of events revealing truths within a triangle of love, each with different sexual orientations, exploding into a vortex of circumstances forcing consequences that transcend time and realities.

Characters: (suggested voice types) *Characters are intended to be artists of color.

Richie (tenor or baritone): gender-fluid, excitable

Melvin (baritone): bi-sexual, reserved, stable

Emily (mezzo-soprano): cis-gender woman, explosive, emotional, manipulative

Warrior Angel (countertenor, bass, or soprano): non-gender specific, Provokes Action

Ms. or Mr. I-94 (mezzo or bass-baritone): cis-gender male, gender questioning *ending gender mode is determined by the participating artist.

The Voice (countertenor or instrument): obligato, encourages emotional and spiritual support

Archangels / Paramedics (3 or 4 actors/dancers)

Orchestration: tbd by composer

Inquiries for commissioning this work?

UIA Talent Agency / Aaron Sanko / [email protected]

UIA Talent Agency / Shawn Marie Jeffery / [email protected]

Thank You!

Spirit Moves

Donors toward Videography

Alexandra Christoforakis
Amy G. Kozak
Andy Oshiro
Brian J. Shaw
Chris Snowden
Colleen Daly Eberhardt
Corinne M. Hayes
Dana Morgan
David Roberts
Jasmine Wiggington
Jim Williams
Kayla Hill
Lynn Bayer
Paula Newberry
Thea Tullman

Writer

“The character goes through a substantial arc in the opera’s short time span, from grieving widow to fierce defender of her people and an advocate for peace and justice.” – Chuck Lavazzi, STL Art Scene for KANDAKE

“Lee’s distillation of this story bears the implicit message that true unity is only possible when we share in one other’s pain and even accept culpability for how our actions or inactions contributed to that pain.” – Daniel Kushner, Roc City News for Two Corners

“the narrative affect was more akin to oral storytelling than ‘traditional’ opera.” – Basil Considine, Twin Cities Arts Reader for Oshun

”at its most successful in the lyrics of those arias that focus on the personal concerns of its characters, and that reflect the resilience of Black folks and their allies” – Gregory Ford, D.C. Metro Theatre Arts for Voices of Zion

Jarrod Lee Writer/Librettist

Catalog of Stories / Click the Story for Details

Delta King's Blues

Delta King's Blues

Kandake

Kandake

Two Corners

Two Corners

What is Love? An AI Story

What is Love? An AI Story

The Ordering of Moses

ordering-of-moses

Oshun

Oshun

Spirit Moves

Spirit Moves

See Your Equal from A Practice In Self-Love

See Your Equal (will become one in an art song set)

Voices of Zion

Voices of Zion

Black Flute

Black Flute (adaptation/reimagined of Magic Flute)

Journey to You

Journey to You

Stories That Need Your Support

Goodnight Ruby

Goodnight Ruby

Split-Second / LIFE

Split-Second/LIFE

Thank You!

Donors toward Videography

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