Hampton Roads, Richmond, Fairfax, VA (January 16, 2024) – Virginia Opera is thrilled to announce the presentation of Damien Geter’s powerful song cycle, Cotton, a powerful fusion of music and poetry inspired by the captivating photography of acclaimed Philadelphia artist John Dowell. This innovative production showcases Dowell’s poignant decade-long exploration of African-American life and ancestral journey through the lens of the cotton industry.
Dowell’s evocative imagery inspired eight nationally-renowned African-American poets, including Charlotte Blake Alston, Nikki Giovanni, Afaa Michael Weaver, Trapeta Mayson, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Lauren Alleyne, Alora Young, and Glenis Redmond, to respond with original poems. Composer Damien Geter then transformed these poems into a moving musical journey, creating a harmonious collaboration of artistic expressions.
Originally commissioned by LyricFest in Philadelphia as part of its 20th-anniversary season, Virginia Opera’s performances of Cotton have been generously underwritten by Dr. Arnold Stolberg. This groundbreaking presentation is a highlight of Virginia Opera’s Pride in Black Voices Civic Engagement Program, reflecting the company’s commitment to diverse and meaningful storytelling.
Cotton will be performed by baritone Adam Richardson, a Virginia native, and mezzo-soprano Tesia Kwarteng, a former Virginia Opera Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist. Composer Damien Geter will attend select performances, providing audiences with a unique opportunity to connect with the creative minds behind this exceptional production.
All performances of Cotton are free and open to the public, emphasizing Virginia Opera’s dedication to accessibility in the arts. However, reservations are required to secure a seat for this unforgettable experience. Don’t miss the chance to witness this extraordinary collaboration at the following venues:
– St. Mary’s Basilica in Norfolk (January 30)
– Norfolk State University campus in Norfolk (January 31)
– Concert Hall at VCU in Richmond (February 1)
– Old Town Hall in Fairfax (February 6)
– Richmond Public Library main branch in Richmond (February 7)
Join Virginia Opera in celebrating the rich tapestry of African-American heritage through Cotton, a groundbreaking production that transcends artistic boundaries. For reservation information and additional details, please visit https://vaopera.org/pride-in-black-voices or contact the Virginia Opera Box Office at 866.673.7282.
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About Virginia Opera
Virginia Opera, the official opera company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is one of the finest regional opera companies in the nation and is the only company to perform regularly in three separate main stage venues: the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, the Carpenter Theatre at the Dominion Energy Center in Richmond, and Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax. Organized in 1974, Virginia Opera is respected nationwide for the identification and presentation of the finest young artists, for the musical and dramatic integrity of its productions, and for the ingenuity and variety of its education and outreach programs.
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