Cincinnati Opera launches first-of-its-kind, $5-million initiative

By Katie Syroney Director/Communications Cincinnati Opera An Afrofuturist grand opera featuring music by Kevin Day, libretto by Tifara Brown, and stage direction and dramaturgy by Kimille Howard, is premiering at Cincinnati Music Hall on Juneteenth 2025.  Cincinnati Opera announces the launch of The Black Opera Project, a groundbreaking, three-opera commissioning initiative that engages Black creators to develop new works celebrating Black stories.  The first program of its kind, The Black Opera Project seeks to illuminate the resilient spirit and vibrant heritage of the Black American experience. The project is the outgrowth of Cincinnati Opera’s previously announced grant from the Mellon Foundation to support the development of three fully staged, full-length operas by creators of color focused on uplifting stories about the Black community. Cincinnati Opera’s overall financial commitment toward The Black Opera Project is anticipated to be approximately $5 million.  Kevin Miller. Photo provided by Day/Sara Bill Photography, Brown/PKT Productions, Howard As part of The Black Opera Project, Cincinnati Opera will present the world premiere of Lalovavi in June 2025, with music by Kevin Day, libretto by Tifara Brown, and stage direction and dramaturgy by Kimille Howard. “The launch of The Black Opera Project marks the fruition of dreams long...