New Project to be Launched by Cincinnati Opera – The Black Opera Project

Cincinnati Opera Launches The Black Opera Project

Cincinnati Opera has unveiled The Black Opera Project, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to commission three new operas celebrating Black stories. The project, with an estimated financial commitment of million, seeks to showcase the resilient spirit and vibrant heritage of the Black American experience.

World-renowned bass and Cincinnati Opera artistic advisor, Morris Robinson, expressed his excitement about the project, stating that The Black Opera Project fulfills a long-held dream for Black artists like himself. Robinson highlighted the need for operas that authentically represent African American culture in a positive, modern, and relatable way. He emphasized the importance of having works composed, written, directed, and conducted by Black individuals to truly capture the essence of the African American experience.

The inaugural opera featured in The Black Opera Project will be “Lalovavi,” created by award-winning composer Kevin Day and writer Tifara Brown. This new work is set to premiere on Juneteenth 2025 as part of Cincinnati Opera’s 2025 Summer Festival, made possible by funding from the David C. Herriman Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

The project’s second opera, focusing on the life of Congressman John Lewis, will make its world premiere during Cincinnati Opera’s 2026 Summer Festival. This opera will feature music by Maria Thompson Corley, a libretto by Diana Solomon Glover, and stage direction by Timothy Douglas.

The Black Opera Project marks a significant milestone in advancing representation and diversity in the world of opera, promising to bring Black joy and storytelling to the forefront on the opera stage. Stay tuned for more updates on this historic initiative.