DETROIT, MI. (www.MargaretGarner.org) - As the curtain goes up on the 2004-2005 Season, Michigan Opera Theatre, Cincinnati Opera, and the Opera Company of Philadelphia are pleased to announce the launch of https://www.MargaretGarner.org , a comprehensive online resource for "Margaret Garner," a new opera based on one of the most significant fugitive slave stories in pre-Civil War America. This new work marks the anticipated operatic debut by Grammy Award-winning composer Richard Danielpour, and features a poignant libretto by Toni Morrison, celebrated novelist and winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize for Literature.
"Margaret Garner" will receive its World Premiere at Michigan Opera Theatre's Detroit Opera House on May 7, 2005, with subsequent performances by co-commissioners Cincinnati Opera in July 2005, and Opera Company of Philadelphia in February 2006.
Fleeing Kentucky's Maplewood Farm in 1856 to Ohio, Margaret Garner made the horrific decision to sacrifice her own children when facing recapture, rather than see them returned to the bonds of slavery. Her trial became the subject of intense national debate, addressing crucial issues in constitutional law and posing key questions at the core of the rift in the Union.
Visitors to https://www.MargaretGarner.org will find information on the opera's creative team, cast, story, and production. The site also features historical and educational resources, special announcements, a photo gallery, and links to purchase tickets for upcoming performances.
According to Michigan Opera Theatre Founder and General Director David DiChiera, "The 'Margaret Garner' website enables our audience and community partners to join us on the exciting journey toward bringing this important new opera to life - in Detroit, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and beyond. We are committed to sharing the depth and significance of the historical events inspiring this opera, and the website helps us engage our audience in both stories - the history of Margaret Garner, and the creation of this powerful new work."
"Margaret Garner's" powerhouse cast features internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves in the title role. Baritone Rodney Gilfry sings Edward Gaines, the owner of Maplewood Farm, and baritone Gregg Baker sings the role of Robert, Margaret's husband. Robert's mother, Cilla, will be created by legendary soprano Jessye Norman, special guest star for the Michigan Opera Theatre premiere. Soprano Angela Brown performs the role of Cilla in the Cincinnati and Philadelphia productions. Renowned stage director Kenny Leon will direct, with scenic design by Marjorie Bradley Kellogg. Maestro Stefan Lano conducts.
"MARGARET GARNER" PERFORMANCE DATES & TICKET INFORMATION
Michigan Opera Theatre Performance Dates
May 7, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. (World Premiere)
May 11, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.
May 14, 2005 at 8:00 p.m.
May 20, 2005 at 8:00 p.m.
May 22, 2005 at 5:00 p.m.
Michigan Opera Theatre Box Office
1526 Broadway
Detroit, Michigan 48226
313.237.SING (7464)
TicketMaster at 248.645.6666
https://www.motopera.org
Email: [email protected]
Cincinnati Opera Performance Dates
July 14, 2005 at 8:00 p.m.
July 16, 2005 at 8:00 p.m.
July 22, 2005 at 8:00 p.m.
Cincinnati Opera Box Office
1241 Elm Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513.241.2742
https://www.cincinnatiopera.org
Email: [email protected]
Opera Company of Philadelphia
"Margaret Garner" is part of the 2005-2006 Opera Company of Philadelphia
Season. Subscriptions for 2005-2006 will go on sale in January 2005.
Single tickets will go on sale in September 2005.
Opera Company of Philadelphia
1420 Locust Street, Suite 210
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
215.732.8400
https://www.operaphilly.com
Email: [email protected]
"Margaret Garner" is made possible thanks to the generous support of these title sponsors:
- Cadillac Michigan Opera Theatre
- The P&G Fund Cincinnati Opera
- Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, LLP Opera Company of Philadelphia
- Support for the 2004 "Margaret Garner" Composer Workshop provided by OPERA America.
- Richard Danielpour's music is published exclusively by G. Schirmer, Inc. and Associated Music Publishers, Inc.
For more information about the "Margaret Garner" opera, please visit https://www.MargaretGarner.org.
