Seattle Opera to Premiere "Jubilee," a World Premiere Opera Celebrating the Fisk Jubilee Singers
This October, Seattle Opera will premiere "Jubilee," a groundbreaking work by writer and director Tazewell Thompson that celebrates the inspiring story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. This ensemble of Black American singers broke barriers and transformed music history with their powerful performances of spirituals.
With a score featuring over 40 spirituals, "Jubilee" follows the singers as they toured the US and Europe, raising funds for Fisk University and challenging racial stereotypes. Their music had a profound impact on various genres, including gospel, blues, jazz, and R&B.
Thompson, who has dedicated years to studying spirituals, emphasizes the Jubilees' unwavering commitment to education and their significant influence on Black culture. The opera pays tribute to their legacy and the enduring power of their music.
Featuring vocal arrangements by Dianne Adams McDowell and orchestration by Michael Ellis Ingram, "Jubilee" will be conducted by Kellen Gray and directed by Thompson himself. The world premiere production runs October 12-26 at McCaw Hall.
This moving and unforgettable opera sheds light on the remarkable history of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and their extraordinary contributions to music and social change.
Performance Dates and Location:
World Premiere
Sung in English with English supertitles
Run time approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes with one intermission
Tickets start at $35
McCaw Hall (321 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109)Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 7:30pmSunday, October 13, 2024 at 2:00pmWednesday, October 16, 2024 at 7:30pmSaturday, October 19, 2024 at 7:30pmSunday, October 20, 2024 at 2:00pmTuesday, October 22, 2024 at 10:30am (school day matinee)Friday, October 25, 2024 at 7:30pmSaturday, October 26, 2024 at 7:30pm
