Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Opera Theatre Of Saint Louis Premieres Terence Blanchard’s ‘Champion’

Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 03:19:20 +0000

On Saturday, June 15, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis performs the world premiere of jazz trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard’s first opera, Champion. Set to a libretto by Michael Cristofer, the opera tells the true story of Emile Griffith, a gay boxer who became the Welterweight Champion of the World. But in a boxing match, he kills his opponent through no fault of his own, and then has to live with the guilt for the rest of his life.

Opera Theatre Of Saint Louis’ Festival Season Opens With ‘Pirates Of Penzance”

Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer — Sat, 25 May 2013 01:47:52 +0000

The tents are up on the lawn of the Loretto Hilton Performing Arts Center as Opera Theatre of Saint Louis prepares to open its 2013 Festival Season with Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic masterpiece The Pirates of Penzance. Directed and choreographed by Sean Curran and conducted by Ryan McAdams, Pirates is the first of four productions that will be staged in repertory from May 25 until June 30.

Renowned Jazz Musician Portrays The Life Of A Prize Fighter In A New Opera

Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Don Marsh — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:50:18 +0000

As a world-renowned jazz trumpeter, composer and band leader, Terence Blanchard has received five Grammy Awards and has written jazz pieces for small ensembles, symphonic settings, film and stage. But when he was contacted by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Artistic Director James Robinson about writing an opera, his first question was “are you sure you have the right guy?” Robinson knew exactly what he was doing.