Today : world première of 'Blind Injustice' by Scott Davenport Richards in Cincinnati

Today, the Cincinnati Opera presents the world première of Blind Injustice, an opera composed by Scott Davenport Richards with a libretto by David Cote based on Mark Godsey's book.

It is the composer's first opera.

You’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. A child’s words are twisted. You might look like someone who committed a crime. Suddenly, your world is taken away. You’re in prison for a crime you did not commit, and no one is helping you get out. This was reality for Rickey Jackson, Nancy Smith, Clarence Elkins, and the East Cleveland 3 — Derrick Wheatt, Laurese Glover, and Eugene Johnson. (reproduced from the Cincinnati Opera website)

The cast includes baritone Joseph Lattanzi (Prosecutor), baritone Eric Shane (Rickey Jackson), tenor Thomas J. Capobianco (Clarence Elkins), baritone Sankara Harouna (Derrick Wheatt), tenor Terrence Chin-Loy (Laurese Glover) and bass baritone Miles Wilson-Toliver (Eugene Johnson). John Morris Russell conducts a 12-piece orchestra and YPCC members (Young Professionals Choral Collective). Robin Guarino directs.

The performance should last about 90 minutes. No intermission. The venue is the Music Hall's Wilks Studio.

Today : world première of Robert Paterson's 'Three Ways' in Nashville

Today, the Nashville Opera presents the world première of Robert Paterson's new opera Three Ways, with a libretto by David Cote.

(c) Daniel Dottavio

It is the composer's second opera after The Whole Truth (New York, January 2016). Three Ways is a trilogy of one-acts, The Companion, Safe Word and Masquerade.

They explore the future of love, sex, and need. The contemporary characters collide at the intersection of power and desire to reveal the true longings of the human heart. (reproduced from the Nashville Opera website)

The cast includes soprano Danielle Pastin (Maya / Connie), tenor Samuel Levine (Joe / Marcus), baritone Wes Mason (Dax / Larry), mezzo Elisa Bonet (The Domme / Jilian Debridge) and bass Matthew Trevino (The Client / Bruce Debridge). Dean Williamson conducts the Nashville Opera Orchestra. John Hoomes directs.

The performance should last about 2 hours and 45 minutes, with two intervals. The venue is the James K. Polk Theater, TPAC. The opera will also be performed in New York, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (Fishman Space), from June 15 to June 18.