POLITICS of MUSIC
MARGARET GARNER Opera was co-commissioned by the Michigan Opera Theatre, Cincinnati Opera and Opera Philadelphia, it premièred on 7 May 2005 at the Detroit Opera House in Detroit, Michigan with Denyce Graves in the title role.
As the Cincinnati Opera approach 100th birthday, please see comment by Katie Syroney, Director of Communication::
MARGARET GARNER, 2005 “There are so many extraordinary productions and moments that stand out through my years at Cincinnati Opera. But the first time an opera truly took my breath away was the premiere of Richard Danielpour’s Margaret Garner. Cincinnati Opera co-commissioned the work with Michigan Opera Theatre and Opera Philadelphia, and it was our first time getting to be so close to an opera’s creative development. What’s more, the work was drawn from historical events that took place just across the river from Music Hall—the harrowing journey of an enslaved woman who sacrificed everything in the name of freedom. All those involved—including Danielpour, librettist Toni Morrison (yes, that Toni Morrison), star Denyce Graves, along with the entire company—took great care to tell Margaret’s story with the respect it so richly deserved. Seeing it come to life on the stage was a truly transformative moment. “
Please see Detroit Opera rehearsal video:
