Terence Blanchard’s Champion: An Opera in Jazz (2013) tells the real-life story of world champion boxer Emile Griffith, a man haunted by memories of his past who struggled to reconcile his sexuality in a hyper-macho world.
This groundbreaking work combining the disciplines of opera and jazz, was co-commissioned by the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in 2013 and is now being performed by the Boston Lyric Opera
Tormented by the death of opponent Benny Paret following their 1962 bout for the welterweight title, Griffith spent his life questioning himself and a society that would accept his accidental killing of a fellow athlete, but not his bisexuality.
This visually stunning production features full staging and video elements with soloists, a jazz trio, orchestra and Gospel chorus, bringing out the full glory of Blanchard’s soulful score as it illuminates Griffith’s triumphs and struggles, which are still broadly and powerfully relevant today.
Plus In partnership with @portlandoperab @operacolumbusb. @operaomaha. @UpUntilNowColl1thare is also a collaboration between Deaf and hearing artists, to bring a series of music videos that combine opera and American Sign Language! The Champion one can be viewed for free on operbox.tv!
Champion: An Opera in Jazz May 18, 20, 22 BOSTON LYRIC OPERA
