Newsletter No. 15 – The Multicultural Music Group

DECEMBER 2023 JANUARY 2024

THE TREBLE CLEF

The Multicultural Music Group Newsletter

Terence Blanchard: Pioneering Diversity and Innovation in Opera

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TERENCE BLANCHARD Pioneering Diversity and Innovation in Opera

By Wilfredo José Burgos Matos

Terence Blanchard has emerged as a transformative figure in the world of opera with his groundbreaking works presented at the Lincoln Center in recent years. His journey into the realm of opera marks a significant evolution in his career, which has spanned decades and encompassed a wide range of musical endeavors. Blanchard's entry into opera is not just a personal milestone but also a moment of cultural and artistic significance, particularly for the Lincoln Center and the broader opera community.

Blanchard's foray into opera began with "Champion," an opera in jazz that premiered in 2013. This work set the stage for his distinctive style, blending the rich traditions of opera with the rhythmic complexity and emotional depth of jazz. "Champion" tells the story of Emile Griffith, a bisexual boxer who struggled with his identity and the tragic consequences of one of his fights. The opera was groundbreaking in its subject matter and musical approach, challenging traditional operatic norms and introducing a fresh, contemporary perspective.

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Following the success of "Champion," Blanchard continued to push boundaries with his second opera, "Fire Shut Up in My Bones," which premiered in 2019. This opera, based on the memoir of Charles Blow, a New York Times columnist, delves into themes of identity, resilience, and healing. It explores Blow's journey from a troubled childhood in Louisiana to his rise as a prominent journalist, addressing issues of race, sexuality, and trauma. "Fire Shut Up in My Bones" made history as the first opera by an African American composer to be staged by the Metropolitan Opera, a milestone in the institution's long history.

Blanchard's contributions hold immense significance within the Lincoln Center and the broader opera community, a fact that simply cannot be emphasized enough. His operas have brought a new audience to the opera house, attracting those who might not typically attend this type of performance. This expansion of the audience base is crucial for the survival and evolution of opera as an art form, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

Moreover, Blanchard's operas have been a catalyst for muchneeded conversations about diversity and inclusion in the opera world. By bringing stories of African American experiences to the forefront, Blanchard has opened the door for more diverse narratives and creators in a space that has historically been dominated by European traditions and stories. His work challenges the opera community to embrace a broader spectrum of voices and stories, enriching the art form with new perspectives and experiences.

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Blanchard's fusion of jazz elements into opera has been musically revolutionary, marking a significant evolution in the genre. Jazz, with its emphasis on improvisation, complex harmonies, and rhythmic innovation, offers a rich palette for operatic composition. Blanchard's expertise in this genre has allowed him to create music that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating. His operas are characterized by a unique musical language that respects the traditions of opera while infusing them with the vitality and expressiveness of jazz.

The staging and production of Blanchard's operas at the Lincoln Center have also been noteworthy. His collaborations with librettists, directors, and performers have brought together talents from various backgrounds, fostering a creative synergy that has elevated the overall impact of his works. The visual and dramatic elements of his operas complement the music, creating immersive and thought-provoking experiences for the audience.

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In sum, Terence Blanchard's contribution to the world of opera, as showcased at the Lincoln Center, represents a significant and transformative chapter in the history of this art form. His work not only expands the musical and thematic boundaries of opera but also engages new audiences and sparks important conversations about diversity and representation. His success, especially as seen with "Fire Shut Up in My Bones" at the Metropolitan Opera, has shed light on the need for greater representation of various communities of color in opera.

While his work marks a significant milestone, it also highlights that there remains much ground to be covered in terms of fully embracing and showcasing the richness and diversity of stories and musical traditions from different cultures. The opera industry, with leading institutions like the Metropolitan Opera, stands at a pivotal moment where the inclusion of more diverse voices, particularly those from other communities of color, is not just a possibility but a necessity.

The engagement of these diverse narratives and musical styles can further enrich the operatic tradition, offering new perspectives and experiences to audiences and ensuring the art form's continued relevance and vibrancy in the current cultural landscape.

The anticipation and hope for the future inclusion of more diverse voices at venues like the Met Opera reflect a growing awareness and appreciation of the multifaceted nature of opera as an art form that can and should reflect the full spectrum of human experience.

At a Glance

28+ years of service to the community.

All have NYC Boroughs been impacted by our work

MMG Orchestra

through education and cultural programming.

has been active for almost three decades with members from all over the world.

About MMG The MMG is a nonprofit organization devoted to creating and presenting new symphonic music, promoting research of hidden aspects of history, and providing direct student instruction in multicultural instrumental music. Our initiatives aim to promote global understanding, social justice awareness, and diversity in the symphonic repertoire. We strive to broaden our musical repertoire to reflect the rich diversity of our communities.

Our vision includes fair historical portraits of underrepresented communities in educational and artistic fields. We fulfill this through new music commissions by composers of color and providing professional, economically accessible programming to the public. We supplement our presentations with scholarly research and open dialogue to deepen our listening, learning, and cross-cultural experiences.

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