Seattle Opera brings the spiritual to the stage in "Jubilee"

The world premiere of Jubilee debuted at Seattle Opera with its inaugural performance over the weekend.

Jubilee is a new opera honoring the Fisk Jubilee singers, a group of groundbreaking Black American singers from Fisk University, in Tennessee.

Soundside's Diana Opong sat down with creator and director Tazewell Thompson, who reflected on how the seeds of the opera Jubilee were sown in his early years living in New York. It was during his formative years that he was introduced to the rich tapestry of spirituals through old recordings, a discovery that ignited a profound sense of connection in his life. 

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. 

Guests:

• Tazewell Thompson, creator and director of the new opera, Jubilee
• Marlette Buchanan, Seattle vocalist and former Fisk Jubilee singer
• Dr. Agenia Clark, president of Fisk University

Related Links:

• Seattle Opera - Jubilee