Opera Fusion: New Works

Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) welcome you to the next workshop in their joint program, Opera Fusion: New Works.

With music by GRAMMY-nominated composer Carlos Simon and a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage and her daughter, poet and writer Ruby Aiyo Gerber, the new opera The Highlands was commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera/Lincoln Center New Works Program.

THE HIGHLANDS

Music by Carlos Simon
Libretto by Lynn Nottage and Ruby Aiyo Gerber

In the near future amid the flood-ravaged Louisiana territory known as The Highlands, the matriarch of the Lenox family informs her heirs of a deeply-held family secret—that they are the keepers of an ancient griot magic originating with their African ancestors. On the eve of Carnival, one of the Lenox siblings—Clarence, Darius, or their younger sister, Lucinda—will inherit this great gift, as well as the responsibilities that come with it. When the family’s secret is revealed, members of their community debate how it should be used and whom it should benefit. Amid arguments and struggles, the magic is eventually entrusted to the compassionate yet reluctant Lucinda, who must decide how best to wield its power.

Free tickets, limit 4 per household.