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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 pre-show introduction to these stories and a post-show Q&A with 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
Commissioned by Washington National Opera

Mini Recital
Featuring performances by voice students from Morgan State University and Towson University

INTERMISSION

Kandake
An opera in one act
Music by Timothy Amukele
Libretto by Jarrod Lee
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

February 28, 2026 | 7:00pm

Grace United Methodist Church
5407 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210

Free parking is available in the church lot

Join us at 6pm for a pre-show lecture and afterwards for a post-show Q&A.

Entry to the lecture and Q&A is free with a ticket to the performance.

Oshun

Kandake

B.E. Boykin
Composer

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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.

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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.

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