Longy’s Voice Department presents a fall production double bill:
William Grant Still’s A Bayou Legend
Verna Arvey, libretto
Jodi Goble’s Meow & Forever
Basil Considine, libretto
A Bayou Legend is performed with permission from William Grant Still Music.
William Grant Still’s A Bayou Legend
Step into a world where haunting folklore meets lush musical storytelling. William Grant Still’s A Bayou Legend, the first opera by an African American composer ever broadcast on national television, unfolds in the mystic depths of a fictional bayou, where traditional love, societal expectation, fear of the other, religious fervor, and the supernatural blur into one unforgettable folkstory of operatic proportions. Still’s shimmering score blends classical lyricism with a true American harmonic language, creating an atmosphere both hypnotic and deeply human. Longy’s vocal artists bring this rarely performed gem thrillingly to life, illuminating its powerful themes and vivid characters. Join us for an evening of spellbinding music and drama that honors one of America’s most visionary composers.
Jodi Goble’s Meow & Forever
Get ready for charm, chaos, and irresistible cattitude in Jodi Goble’s Meow & Forever! This contemporary chamber opera delivers a delightful, laugh-out-loud portrait of modern companionship, seen through the eyes of the creatures who know us best. Goble’s witty text and vibrant score capture the joys, neuroses, and tender bonds shared between humans and their feline counterparts. Bursting with personality and heart, Meow & Forever showcases Longy’s singers in a playful, fast-paced work that will resonate with animal lovers and opera fans alike. Come experience a fresh, joyful night of music-theater that proves opera can purr, leap, and surprise at every turn.
Longy’s Voice Department presents a fall production double bill:
Main Stage Series
Main Stage events are where the magic happens. Experience performances that inspire, challenge, and resonate long after the final note. You’ll hear bold artistic ideas and exceptional musicianship, often featuring Longy’s distinguished faculty-artists and innovative artistic partners. Each event offers a rare opportunity to be part of artistry that is both inspirational in the moment and lasting in its impact.
Thanks to our partnership with the Massachusetts Cultural Council and their “Card to Culture” program, Longy School of Music of Bard College can offer free tickets to many of our diverse and innovative performance offerings. See the full list of participating “Card to Culture” organizations offering EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts.
