
New Voices in Opera
Our newest initiative brings fresh operatic works to the Maryland Opera stage. The evening features a double bill of new works by composers with a connection to our performing community in the greater Baltimore area as well as a mini recital with students from local universities. A pre-show introduction to these stories and a post-show Q&A with members of the creative team. We are thrilled to work with these talented creators to bring something brand new to our stage.
PROGRAM
Oshun
An opera in one act
Music by B.E. Boykin
Libretto by Jarrod Lee
Originally commissioned by the Washington National Opera at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and first produced at the Kennedy Center during the 2022/2023 season
Mini Recital
arr. Margaret Bonds
arr. Margaret Bonds
arr. Edward Boatner
Florence Price & Louise C. Wallace
Kurt Weill & Langston Hughes
William Grant Still
& Bruce Forsythe
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
Tamia Johnson
Lord I Just Can't Keep From Cryin'
Ada Satterfield
I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
Darius Jackson
Night
Laquavia Alston
Lonely House (Street Scene)
Henry Hubbard
Give Me No Body (Blue Steel)
Nazarene Maloney
INTERMISSION
Kandake
An opera in one act
Music by Timothy Amukele
Libretto by Jarrod Lee
Originally commissioned by Opera Theatre of St. Louis
Sung in English with English surtitles
There will be one 10-minute intermission
Running time is approximately 90 minutes
Oshun and Kandake are presented through special arrangement with Just a Theory Press and UIA Talent Agency.
*The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
February 28, 2026 | 7:00pm
Grace United Methodist Church
5407 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210
Free parking is available in the church lot
Cast
Oshun
Olodumare/Kushite 2
Oracle 2
Shango
Kandake Amanirenas

Darius Sanders
Kushite 1

Soprano
Darius Jackson
Roman Centurion
Bass

Tamia Johnson
Soprano

Ada Satterfield
Soprano
Esu/Akinidad

Sierra Leslie
Oracle 1
Mezzo Soprano
Conductor
Join us at 6pm for a pre-show lecture with Yoruba Priestess Iyálorisà Olóyè Oyawunmi Awosade Ájàlá and librettist Jarrod Lee.
Stay afterwards for a post-show Q&A moderated by Executive Director of the Denyce Graves Foundation, Terry Eberhardt.
Entry to the lecture and Q&A is free with a ticket to the performance.
Yalira Walker
Sharon Boddie
Sarah Cummings
Marcus Gee
Raymond Irving
Sarah Andrews
Amanda Dame
Luke Murphy
James Harp
ORCHESTRA
Violin 1
Violin 2
Viola
Cello
Bass
Oboe
Flute
Percussion
Keyboard
Jarrod Lee
Shawna Williams
Chloe McNeill
Alia Davis Brown
Aaron Sherber
Alyssa Stanton
PRODUCTION STAFF
Co-Director
Co-Director/Choreographer
Scenic & Projection Designer
Costume/Make-Up Designer
Stage Manager
Supertitle Operator
Oshun
Kandake
B.E. Boykin
Composer
Jarrod Lee
Librettist
Timothy Amukele
Composer
Jarrod Lee
Librettist
SYNOPSIS
The great Olodumare created a drought that covered the land as punishment for his Orisha’s, his children’s, failed attempt to dethrone him. Olodumare’s drought causes humans to stop their praise which is the Orisha’s life source. Shango, the Orisha of thunder, questions if Olodumare’s drought is the cause for no praise and worries if the drought continues, he will cease to exist. Esu, the divine messenger and fellow Orisha, arrives with Olodumare’s command that no one shall enter Olodumare’s heaven called Orun, not even Shango. Insulted by this command, Shango takes his anger out on Esu. Oshun, the Orisha of fertility, love and the only Orisha who didn’t join the insurrection to dethrone Olodumare, decides her beauty will soften Olodumare’s heart. She transforms herself into a peacock and flies into Orun to beg for Olodumare’s forgiveness to end the drought which would cause humans to praise the Orishas again, therefore saving herself and her fellow Orishas. Disregarding Shango’s fear and warning of the sun’s capability to burn, Oshun flies too close and her wings are scourged. In her vulturous state, Oshun doubts her Father will recognize her and honor her plea to end the drought. To Oshun’s surprise, Olodumare recognizes, welcomes and affirms her presence. He shares the truth of beauty and reveals she has the power to bring the rain, therefore saving herself and her fellow Orishas. At Olodumare’s command, Esu and Shango kneel to offer praises to Oshun as she brings healing to the land as the Orisha of fertility, love, wealth, health and the rain.
SYNOPSIS
As the Kingdom of Kush thrives under the rule of King Teriteqas and Kandake Amanirenas (Queen Amanirenas), the Romans plan to increase their territory by attacking the Kingdom of Kush. Amanirenas fights alongside her husband, but Teriteqas suffers a fatal blow and succumbs to his wounds. Amanirenas’ mourning is interrupted by her son, Akinidad, who shares the news that Rome has overtaken Philae with plans to seize her throne and the riches of Kush. Should she lead an attack on the Roman occupied Philae while their troops are distracted by Arabia or should Kush pay taxes to keep their land? With the blessing of their ancestors, she leads a victorious battle and reclaims Philae. As a warning, she sends golden arrows to the Roman Emperor with a message to receive the arrows as gifts or use them as weapons should Rome decide to invade her Kingdom of Kush.
NURTURING COMMUNITY
As part of Maryland Opera's New Voice in Opera Initiative, several students from local universities will have opportunities to participate in highly enriching programs. In addition to singing as members of the cast in Oshun and Kandake, students will perform as part of the mini-recital on February 28th, highlighting works by Black composers. During the rehearsal process, they will take some time out for masterclasses to hone their skills.
Master Class 1 - "Acting through Arias and Songs by Black Composers" with Jarrod Lee and composer Timothy Amukele
Master Class 2 - Mock Auditions with UIA Talent Agency's Shawn Marie Jeffrey
We excited to welcome these local performers for the master classes:
Nazarene Maloney, soprano - Morgan State University student
Laquavia Alston, mezzo - Morgan State University student
Henry Hubbard, tenor - local professional
Darius Jackson, bass - Morgan State University student
Tamia Johnson, soprano - Towson University student
Ada Satterfield, soprano - private student of Alina Kozinska
Xin Wu - collaborative pianist
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Ayanna Freelon
Elris O'Garro-Davis & Clarence Davis
Andrew Stewart
CORPORATE PARTNERS
Many thanks to these companies whose partnership makes this performance possible.
Engagement of this event's opera performers is through the generosity of the Loretta Lee Ver Valen Endowment Fund for Leading Operatic Artists
Support for this production also comes
from these generous organizations:
The Baltimore Opera Company Foundation Fund
The S. James Campbell Fund
The Maryland State Arts Council

The production of Oshun received funding from OPERA America's Next Stage Grants.




















