Opera Parallèle is thrilled to open the 2021-22 Season with the live in-person world premiere of  Harriet's Spirit A young girl’s story of courage & empowerment, inspired by Harriet Tubman. November 13, 2021 – 1pm & 4pm November 14, 2021 – 1pm Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theater Original music by Bay Area jazz bassist Marcus Shelby and libretto by Roma Olvera. Featuring jazz soprano Tiffany Austin as Harriet Tubman, soprano Christabel Nunoo as Modesty, baritone Bradley Kynard as Montgomery, and the “Say Nothing” and “Do Nothing” chorus sung by the San Francisco Girls Chorus. Tickets: FREE for 21 & under (Reservations Required) 21+: Pay What You Can: $10, $25 or $50 – by purchasing a higher ticket price you assist OP & BVOH in providing free tickets for the community.

Reserve your tickets here

Michael Mohammed joins OP as Community Engagement Ambassador

OP is pleased to welcome Michael Mohammed to the role of Community Engagement Ambassador. He is a performer, director, and arts educator at several Bay Area universities who has done extensive work researching the representation of historically excluded identities in opera and theatre. A new, important, and evolving role, the Community Engagement Ambassador, works in partnership with OP Artistic & Community Manager Daniel Harvey to support the development of initiatives designed to diversify and enrich engagement with new and existing audiences. Read more

ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Visit the 'Harriet's Spirit' Resource Page

for links to music, and other resources about Harriet Tubman, her life and legacy.

Harriet's Spirit Open Rehearsal Nov 7, 2021 3 - 4 PM FREE! We throw open the doors of the Bayview Opera House and invite the community in to see behind the scenes in the creation of an opera.  Listen to rehearsal then enjoy activities lead by OP Community Programs Ambassador Michael Mohammed. Snacks provided.

Register here

‘Tools of the Trade’ Technical Theater Artists Mentor Program

OP is partnering with Bayview Opera House (BVOH) to provide mentorship and practical training in the Performing Arts Track of BVOH’s Tools of the Trade program. The workforce development program primarily for Black San Francisco artists provides practical skill development in areas not easily accessible elsewhere, including stage and production management, scenic, costume, lighting, and set design.  See faculty list and photo highlights here

Video & Audio Technician David Saenz conducts a hands on Film Equipment & Recording Process session at BVOH.

Harriet’s Spirit Stage Manager Leontyne Mbele-Mbong and participants at a Stage & Production Management session at BVOH.

"We bend; we don't break. We sway!" We are so inspired by these words from Fire Shut Up in My Bones. Congratulations to OP Honorary Board member Terence Blanchard for the historic debut and amazing success of the first performance of an opera by a Black composer at The Metropolitan Opera.

OP Artistic and General Director Nicole Paiement and OP Creative Director Brian Staufenbiel at the MET for a performance of Fire Shut Up in My Bones.

Help Opera Parallèle create opera for our time Opera Parallèle presents compelling performances of contemporary operas with high musical and dramatic standards, embracing modern aesthetics, creative use of technology, and social relevance as essential to the future of the art form. Thank you for your support and belief in our work!

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Opera Parallèle is a registered 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization. Tax ID number 72-1584393.

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