Artist Talks: A discussion with Elena Ruehr, composer and Stephen Salters, baritone

Two local artists composer Elena Ruehr (professor of composition at MIT, BMOP composer in residence, Harvard and Guggenheim fellow) and renowned baritone Stephen Salters (Odyssey Opera, Handel and Haydn Society, soloists with Boston Pops, Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic) have collaborated on numerous projects – one of which is Crafting the Bonds, a full length opera spanning two centuries based on the rediscovery of The Bondwoman’s Narrative by Hannah Crafts, the first known novel by an African-American woman. Longy’s annual Operatica concert in March 2021 will feature a duet and aria from Crafting the Bonds featuring current Longy students soprano Kristen Marion and mezzo-soprano Brittany Walker alongside Longy’s Orchestra Flex under the baton of Longy faculty Ryan Turner. Dr. Ruehr and Mr. Salters will discuss their careers and collaboration, as well as topics regarding creating a work of a highly political nature dealing with racial injustice.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.