Oberlin in Cleveland | Concert Performance: Omar

Composers: Rhiannon Giddens ’00 & Michael Abels

Librettist: Rhiannon Giddens ’00

Conductor: John Kennedy ’82

Run Time: 170 minutes including intermission

Sung in English

Featuring Soloists:

   Rhiannon Giddens ’00, soprano

   Limmie Pulliam ’98, tenor

   Michael Preacely ’99, baritone

   Daniel Okulitch ’99, bass-baritone

   Daniel McGrew ’15, tenor

   Krysty Swann, mezzo-soprano

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Join us for a special concert performance of the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera composed by Rhiannon Giddens ’00 and Michael Abels, based on the true story of a 19th-century Islamic scholar from West Africa who was enslaved in South Carolina. Conducted by John Kennedy ’82, the performance spotlights Giddens and a cast of acclaimed Oberlin alumni, joined by the Oberlin Orchestra and choral ensembles.

“...a melting pot inspired by bluegrass, hymns, spirituals and more, with nods to traditions from Africa and Islam. It’s an unforced ideal of American sound: expansive and ever-changing.” —New York Times

SCHEDULE FOR THE EVENING

6:00pm Pre-concert discussion: Narratives of enslaved individuals led by Oberlin faculty members - Meredith Gadsby, Charles Peterson, and Caroline Wood Newhall

7:00pm Concert Performance: Omar

Post-concert talkback immediately following performance: Caroline Jackson-Smith moderates talkback with performers on the creative process with Omar composer Rhiannon Giddens ’00, conductor John Kennedy ’82, and other cast members

TICKET INFORMATION

NOW AVAILABLE - Free general admission seating, but reservations are required by way of the Maltz Performing Arts Center Box Office.

LIVESTREAM - Livestream is available for this event. Book the livestream ticket and a link will be sent to you shortly before the event.