Belonging in Opera
Belonging in Opera
Opera is shaped by many voices – from the composer and librettist who create the story, to the singers who bring music to life onstage.
How do these artists’ lived experiences impact the way they approach their work, and how does your own perspective shape your experience as a member of the audience?
In 2021, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, in partnership with WashU’s Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity (CRE2 ) and Department of Music, began a multi-year exploration of race and opera through scholarly conversations; exchanges between composers, performers, researchers, and arts administrators; and performances by some of the world’s preeminent contemporary musicians. We aim to gain unique insights into the ways in which race and ethnicity have shaped the history of opera and are animating its future.
Special thanks to our supporting partners
   
Event information
Thursday, January 9
Don’t Be Angry!, a recital featuring Justin Austin (Over)
Tuesday, January 28
Meet the Makers, An Insider’s Look at OTSL’s New Works Collective
February 6-8
New Works Collective Performances
Sunday, March 23
WashU’s Great Artists Series ’25: Lawrence Brownlee, tenor and Kevin Miller, piano
February 6-8: New Works Collective
Catherine B. Berges Theatre at COCA, 6880 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63130
7:30 p.m.
$15-55 general admission
Stories for St. Louis, chosen by St. Louis
Experience the future of opera with three all-new 20-minute works! These stories will whisk audiences from ancient Kush to modern-day St. Louis, telling stories of friendship, sacrifice, and victory. Get ready for a night full of joy and discovery as we celebrate the power of the human spirit!
Sunday, February 23: Bridging the Arts: a conversation with Lynn Nottage and Ruby Aiyo Gerber
Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts (130 Edgar Rd, Webster Groves, MO 63119)
5:30 p.m.
Free admission (coming soon)
Co-presented by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis are excited to host two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and librettist Lynn Nottage and poet, nonfiction writer, and librettist Ruby Aiyo Gerber. Join the mother daughter team for a conversation about how writing for various mediums has connected the St. Louis regional arts scene to their work. Jacqueline Thompson, Metro Theatre Company Artistic Director, will moderate. Also featuring a special welcome by Ron Himes, founder of The Black Rep. Be sure to catch the Rep’s matinee performance of Nottage’s Clyde’s before the talk.
Sunday, March 23: WashU’s Great Artists Series ’25: Lawrence Brownlee, tenor and Kevin Miller, pianoÂ
Washington University’s 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave, St. Louis, MO 63130
7:30 p.m.
$35-40 general admission, $15 students/youth
Co-presented by Opera Theatre, Washington University’s CRE2 and Department of Music
Celebrated tenor Lawrence Brownlee will present a recital in collaboration with pianist Kevin Miller as part of the Great Artists Series at WashU’s Department of Music. Lawrence Brownlee is a leading figure in opera, both as a singer and as a voice for activism and diversity in the industry. In addition to a beautifully curated program of operatic hits, his performance will include works commissioned from six of today’s leading African American composers as featured on his Grammy-nominated album “Rising” This program speaks to the triumph of the African American community highlighting poetry of the giants of the Harlem Renaissance.
Opera Theatre is funded in part by
  
  
Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges our sustaining partner
Opera Theatre affirms its ADA compliance and is proud to promote diversity and inclusion in all activities.