MARGARET GARNER, Richard Danielpour’s first opera,
premiered in May 2005 at the Michigan Opera Theatre to
sold-out audiences. History repeated itself in July at
the Cincinnati Opera. MARGARET GARNER became the
highest selling production in the Cincinnati Opera’s
recent history. A MARGARET GARNER documentary on WCPO —
Cincinnati’s local ABC affiliate — was the
highest-rated locally produced show in the channel’s
history, ranking higher than prime-time programming
during its airing. Audiences in Philadelphia, where the
opera turns up in February — take note!
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English libretto by Toni Morrison
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Principal Roles:
Mezzo-soprano, Lyric Baritone, Dramatic Soprano, Lyric Baritone
Secondary Roles: Dramatic Tenor, Light Lyric Soprano, Tenor, Lyric Tenor
SATB Black Chorus, 32 voices suggested
SATB White Chorus, 40 voices suggested
Kenny Leon, stage director
Denyce Graves, mezzo-soprano; Angela Brown, soprano;
Gregg Baker, baritone; Rodney Gilfrey baritone
Cincinnati Opera/Lano
14 July 2005; Cincinnati, OH
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Reviews
Richard Danielpour
MARGARET GARNER
The muse of music must be smiling over Cincinnati after
the triumphant opening of Richard Danielpour’s opera,
MARGARET GARNER. This is clearly a major new
work...[with] dramatic and artistic power....
Danielpour’s score takes creative control from the
first beat. It is fresh and evocative, weaving gospel,
jazz and cinematic influences into a rich tapestry that
rapidly dispels trivial preoccupations with star power,
historical accuracy or morbid curiosity. It creates its
own drama.
Morrison’s libretto provides a haunting and simple
counterpoint to the work. The music and words are,
refreshingly, not always in tune. They complement one
another in dutiful service to the same dramatic
master...
— Dag Ryen, LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER
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Toni Morrison’s words were soothing and sweet, gently
married to Richard Danielpour’s spellbinding music....
The significance of this performance, just blocks from
where the real tragedy of Margaret Garner took place in
1856, wasn’t lost on the capacity crowd of 3,278 that
remained gripped through nearly three hours and stood
with roaring ovations at its conclusion. An intensely
human drama, it was heart-breaking, wrenching and
ultimately deeply moving to watch...
— Janelle Gelfand, CINCINNATI ENQUIRER
