By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
During the month of October, the Seattle Opera is presenting Jubilee, a historical interpretation of the journey of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, bringing their powerful legacy to the stage. This production, written by renowned director and playwright Tazewell Thompson, features vocal arrangements by Dianne Adams McDowell and orchestration by Michael Ellis Ingram. Under the baton of conductor Kellen Gray, Jubilee highlights the rich tradition of African American spirituals, blending them with operatic vocal stylings in a groundbreaking way.
The ensemble for Jubilee includes 13 singers accompanied by a 48-piece orchestra, performing beloved spirituals such as “Wade in the Water,” “Go Down, Moses,” “Steal Away,” “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “Balm in Gilead,” and “Deep River,” among others. These songs, originally conceived, written, and performed by enslaved peoples, have endured over the centuries and become a vital part of the fabric of American music.
Audience members will experience a mix of solo and ensemble performances, with stunning a cappella sections reverberating through McCaw Hall, supported by the full force of the orchestra. McDowell’s vocal arrangements and Ingram’s orchestration ensure these spirituals are performed with authenticity and reverence, while the orchestra also contributes with a lively overture and an entr’acte. Thompson, who has spent years studying and collecting spirituals, brings his deep knowledge and passion to this production.
The history of African Americans in the U.S. is rich, but all too often overlooked. Thompson’s Jubilee aims to highlight the contributions of the descendants of Africa and bring their stories to the forefront, especially in a time when their legacy is at risk of being forgotten.
“The thing about opera is people think of it as an old medium. But what they forget is that it tells stories that were relevant to the time,” says cast member Ibidunni Ojikutu. “A lot of operas are allegories for political situations that were happening at the time. These stories, paired with gorgeous music, allow people to connect with something meaningful. It’s important to tell our stories as well—so many incredible historical moments need to be remembered.”
Ojikutu emphasizes the significance of showcasing African American stories in opera.
“There are certain things that have happened that I’ve been like, ‘Oh, I can’t wait for that to be an opera,’” she says. “It’s important that those stories are told now so they’re not forgotten in the future.”
Jubilee traces the extraordinary journey of the Fisk Jubilee Singers between 1871 and 1878. These singers embarked on a series of tours to raise funds to support Fisk University, a fledgling institution established to educate freed slaves. The singers, performing spirituals that had been written and arranged by former slaves, traveled across America and Europe, eventually performing for Queen Victoria of England. Through their efforts, they raised nearly $120,000—an extraordinary sum at the time, roughly equivalent to $4 million today. These funds helped build Jubilee Hall, which still stands on the campus of Fisk University.
“The first Jubilee Singers were formed just six or so years after Emancipation,” recalls conductor Kellen Gray. “Many of them had only recently been enslaved. They formed a chorus, traveled, raised money for Fisk, and were invited to perform for the Queen of England. I think we lose context for how difficult that time was and how remarkable their achievements were.”
The juxtaposition of traditional Negro spirituals sung in an operatic style adds another layer of complexity and innovation to the production. The Seattle Opera has brought together some of the country’s top Black opera producers, conductors, and talent to merge these two distinct forms of music. This blend showcases the training and versatility of Black opera singers, who often come from diverse musical traditions but have the same formal training as other opera performers.
“What’s interesting is people forget that Black singers have the same training as everybody else. We go to the same schools, the same programs, but many of us also grew up in our own traditions,” says Ojikutu. “In this show, you’ll hear spiritual songs in full operatic styles and choral arrangements. We tap into a fuller spectrum of vocal tones and qualities that you don’t often get to showcase in a Verdi or Puccini opera. At times, it feels like we’re just going to church.”
Ojikutu also stresses that while the vocal arrangements are beautifully orchestrated, the traditional elements of these spirituals remain untouched.
“You’ll hear these traditional spirituals, and nobody’s done anything to make them weird. They are the traditional songs, but with these beautiful arrangements.”
At its core, Jubilee tells the stories of the real people who made up the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Gray emphasizes that these individuals were not just characters in a performance but real people who lived through the profound struggles and triumphs of the Reconstruction era.
“I think people will be inspired by the resilience and fortitude of these individuals,” Gray says. “I’m almost hesitant to call them ‘characters’ because they were real people. Each one of them has their own heroic story. There could be an opera about every single one of these 13 people.”
“For anything we may be struggling with today—whether as a people, a country, or as individuals—you can look to these historical figures for inspiration. They overcame unimaginable obstacles and paved the way for future generations,” adds Gray.
Jubilee stands as a testament to the genius, creativity, and resilience of African Americans in the face of oppression. As the legacy of the descendants of Africa continues to be at the forefront of social consciousness, this operatic interpretation serves as an essential reminder of their contributions—not just to American history but to the world.
At a time when efforts to erase or whitewash history are becoming more prevalent, Jubilee ensures that these stories endure. Through the medium of opera, the production educates audiences about the critical role freed men and women played in shaping the nation’s history. It serves as a tribute to the strength and ingenuity of African Americans and the lasting impact of their musical legacy.
Jubilee will be performed at Seattle Opera’s McCaw Hall from October 12 to October 28, 2024. Tickets are available at the Seattle Opera website or at the McCaw Hall box office.
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