Cincinnati Opera has announced the launch of The Black Opera Project, a significant, multi-year initiative totaling $5 million aimed at commissioning and presenting new operas created by Black artists. This groundbreaking project will feature three new works that explore and celebrate the Black experience through the art form of opera.

The first opera to be commissioned under this initiative is “Lalovavi,” an Afrofuturist grand opera. The music is composed by Kevin Day, with a libretto by Tifara Brown, and stage direction and dramaturgy by Kimille Howard. “Lalovavi” is scheduled to premiere at Cincinnati Music Hall on Juneteenth 2025, marking a significant cultural event for the city and the opera world.

Source: https://www.cincinnatiopera.org/media-resources/2024/2/8/cincinnati-opera-launches-black-opera-project-announces-lalovavi