Omar at Oberlin
On December 6, Oberlin College & Conservatory is proud to present a special concert performance of the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Omar at Finney Chapel. Composed by Rhiannon Giddens ’00 and Michael Abels, Omar is based on the true story of a 19th-century Islamic scholar from West Africa who was enslaved in South Carolina. This production, which is conducted by John Kennedy ’82, spotlights Giddens and a cast of acclaimed soloists, including Limmie Pulliam ’98, Michael Preacely ’99, Daniel Okulitch ’99, and Daniel McGrew ’15, joined by the Oberlin Orchestra and choral ensembles. Seating passes are required for the Finney Chapel performance, which is sold out.
A second performance of Omar takes place in Cleveland on December 8 at the Maltz Performing Arts Center. Learn more and order tickets for the free performance.
A special overflow live broadcast viewing of the concert in Oberlin is being planned, with details to be released soon. Both Oberlin and Cleveland performances will be able to be watched via livestream.
In addition to the Omar performance, Oberlin will present several days of campus-wide programming centered around the opera’s themes. These include lectures and roundtable discussions with members of Oberlin’s faculty, a curated collection of works and student-led discussions at the Allen Memorial Art Museum’s Print Study Room, and special exhibitions at several Oberlin campus libraries. More information on all of these events is forthcoming. Read more about the series of events.
Omar
Friday, December 6, 7:30 p.m.
Finney Chapel, Oberlin
Sunday, December 8, 7:30 p.m.
Maltz Center for the Performing Arts, Cleveland
Composers: Rhiannon Giddens ’00 and Michael Abels
Librettist: Rhiannon Giddens ’00
Conductor: John Kennedy ’82
Run Time: 170 minutes including intermission
Sung in English
Featured 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
With Oberlin College Choir, Oberlin Gospel Choir, Oberlin Musical Union, Oberlin Orchestra
Livestream Information:
Oberlin performance
Maltz Center (Cleveland performance)
