Syracuse Opera presents The Ballad of The Brown King by Harlem Renaissance composer Margaret Bonds and writer Langston Hughes. The work tells the story of King Balthazar of the Magi. It first premiered in 1954. Bonds later orchestrated it and dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a performance in 1960. The Sumyracuae Opera performance takes place in Tucker Missionary Baptist Church on December 12 at 3:00PM. Rev. DeCarto Draper, Senior Pastor of Tucker has openly welcomed Syracuse Opera to Tucker and shares with them the importance of presenting works of diversity and relevance to the Syracuse community along with the historic standard operatic repertoire.
The Syracuse Opera Chorus will be joined by guest soloists Kearstin Piper Brown, Danan Tsan and Jeremiah Abiah. Artistic Director and conductor Maestro Christian Capocaccia leads the forces and Dr. Theresa Chen of Syracuse University Setnor School of Music is guest pianist.
Syracuse Opera Chorus Guest Soloists
Joining Syracuse Opera for this performance are a number of known artists from the Syracuse community. They include Marcia Hagan, Ava Yancy, Sonya Sayles-Hines, Sandra Dee Miller, Gloria Graham, Mary Carroll, Natalie Roane, Danielle Mitchell, Michael Jones, Eric Dixson, Patricia Price and Jack Manno. All with the exception of Price and Manno grew up in Tucker Missionary Baptist Church.
The performance is free and open to the public. Reservations will open November 22and can be made through syracuseopera.com and, are required. Proof of double Covid vaccination ia also required to attend the performance.
Generous sponsorship for this performance comes from a NYSCA Grant, CNY Arts and Key Bank, Price Chopper Golub Foundation, Syracuse Artist Pianos and Mr. Toby R. Lewis of New York City.
The Ballad of The Brown King (Cantata)
December 12, 2021 at 3:00PM
Tucker Missionary Baptist Church,
515 Oakwood Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13202
Plenty of parking
Cost: FREE, syracuseopera.com to reserve
