Three unique stories that might not have otherwise made it to an opera stage were showcased this past weekend thanks to Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. The world premieres of the 20-minute operas from the 2024 cohort of their acclaimed – and pioneering – New Works Collective initiative took place at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center.
Torrential rains and a tornado warning couldn’t keep the crowd away from an evening that was a year in the making. Some were still damp as they rushed in because the weather impeded on their travel time.
New Works Collective members Caroline Fan and Dr. Phillip Woodmore provided words of welcome. They were among the esteemed panel of community members who whittled more than 130 submissions from across the country down to three. Soon after the three pairs of artists were selected, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis worked closely with the artists to develop their stories into 20-minute operas. It was the culmination of a process that began in March of 2023.
“Opera Theatre has had a long history of being an incubator for talent, but tonight’s performances are something very special,” Woodmore said. “This evening you will experience a new way of creating opera, with a new group of decision makers at the table who represent the rich diversity of St. Louis.”
The subject matter was as diverse as the three pairs of librettists and composers, the artists who performed them – and the panel who selected them.
“We would like to acknowledge Opera Theatre’s leadership – in particular that of General Director Andrew Jorgensen – for putting the decision making power into the hands of the community,” Fan said. “It has really been a joy, a delight and an education.”
The performances, which were fabulously directed by Kimille Howard, began with composer Ronald Maurice and librettist J. Mae Barizo’s “Unbroken.” The production starred Meroë Khalia Adeeb and John Godhard Mburu. Adeeb is Grace, a North St. Louis mother trying to secretly grapple with her mortality while attempting to teach her eldest son Ezra about preserving their family legacy. Mburu sings the role of Ezra.
Adeeb is one of those sopranos with the type of clarity, range and control that will turn the head of someone who swears opera is not for them. She and Mburu were well-matched as the baritone nailed the necessary emotion of a son trying his best to let his mother know he is there for her to lean on.
“You don’t need to pretend to be strong,” Ezra sings. “I’ve got eyes to see.”
Sentimental and inspirational, “Unbroken” manages to foster hope and faith in the midst of tragedy as Ezra fulfills Grace’s wishes.
The New Works Collective continued with “Mechanisms” by composer J.E. Hernandez and librettist Marianna Mott Newirth. While not as heavy in that it doesn’t deal with illness and loss, the opera features a family coming to terms with a daughter’s challenges with neurodiversity.
“Mechanisms” is brutally honest. “Something’s wrong with Roe,” Maria Consumes sings as Roe’s mother Lori. Roe’s father, Dean, is the more nurturing parent. “Roe has a mind, magnificent,” Aaren Rivard sings. Roe is placed in a special classroom, but she is still unable to be fully understood. Once Lori unites with Dean as an advocate for Roe, they are able to embrace her unique vantage point for learning.
“The way she sees the world,” Lori sings. “What a beautiful world.”
The 2024 New Works Collective ended on a lighter note with “On My Mind” by librettist Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton and composer Jasmine Arielle Barnes.
The stars aligned for two Black women with a mutual love for opera to meet at a music conference – where they both suffered through countless microaggressions. In each other, Lyric and Melodee found a kindred spirit.
To hear these two sopranos sing classically while using the vernacular in which Black women speak was an absolute delight.
“I see you, blue dress,” Adeeb sings as Melodee. “Okay, red lip,” Krysty Swann sang as Lyric.
It was a refreshing story of a developing friendship that left everyone with a smile on their faces for their final memory of the New Works Collective 2024 performances.
“St. Louis is the first place that this is happening in the country,” Woodmore said. “We are excited to be leading the way – and glad that you are here to experience the future of opera.”
