Our Mission

Unboxing the operatic experience in unexpected and exciting ways

Our Vision

Opera Omaha's Amplifying the Black Experience series seeks to honor, celebrate, and bring awareness to the multifaceted stories of the Black community through art, music and multimedia, with an intentional focus on the community here in Omaha, Nebraska.

Our Values

A ppreciate and celebrate authenticity

M otivate audiences to support Black creatives

P ush the boundaries of what we call Opera

L ink the world of opera to historically excluded populations

I nspire audiences with artists from their community and abroad

F oster reciprocal relationships with organizations in our community

Y es, AND - We will always be open to new ideas!

Event Recaps

A.B.E. at Hutchfest 2022

Opera Omaha's Amplifying the Black Experience performed at Hutchfest 2022 at Millwork Commons.

A.B.E. Juneteenth Recap

In celebration of Juneteenth, Opera Omaha’s Amplifying the Black Experience presented an afternoon of local Black artists.

Projects

December 2022

Oh Malcolm, You Hopeful Song | A Visual Poem

A Visual Poetry film that reimagines Loiuse Little, speaking words of wisdom, hope and love to her son Malcolm X; featuring poetry by Jewel Rodgers, a Black Poet based in Omaha, NE and expressive dancing by Charles Dennis III, who played young Malcolm Little in our recent production of X, The Life and Times of Malcolm X, performed on the memorial birth site of the great human rights activist.

We Thank the Malcolm X Memorial foundation in Omaha, Nebraska for allowing us to film this work on such sacred ground.

June 2022

Fibonacci and Me | A Contemporary Opera Short Film featuring Poetry + Animation + Classical Voice

"Fibonacci and Me" is a unique musical short film that discusses themes of using math as philosophy to express a Black woman’s acceptance of self while coming of age. Conceived and directed by Andrea Joy Pearson, "Fibonacci and Me" features captivating poetry by Noni Williams, stylistic 2D animation by SckyRei, moving vocals by tenor Justin Payne, and ethereal music produced by Marcey Yates highlighting the use of a melodic pad with percussion.

March 2022

Feeling Black and Rejuvenated | A Spoken Word Video + Operatic Lo-FI Music

A.B.E. premiered ‘Feeling Black and Rejuvenated’ at Millwork Commons in Omaha, Nebraska with a Q&A session

The video features original spoken word poetry by Ryan Boyland that is accompanied by a lo-fi instrumental created by Marcey Yates with an operatic vocalise sample sung by Chabrelle Williams.

February 2022

'Here. There will be' - A visual Poetry film

‘Here. There will be’ showcases poetry, dance, and singing to create… dare we say OPERA.

Through the expression of creativity and art, each of us is able to grow on our journey of self-love and discovery. Opera Omaha has created this particular series to provide opportunities for Black artistry and creativity to be seen, recognized, honored, and celebrated.

A.B.E. seeks to curate experiences that create points of inspiration within all who read, hear, or see our work.

– Andrea Joy Pearson and Chabrelle Williams

2021

“Hold Fast to Dreams”

The future is bright with possibilities. We are resilient, we are brilliant, we are our dreams.
-Melanie Bacaling and Chabrelle Williams, A.Bl.E. co-curators.

2020

Black American Truths

Streamed live on Oct 26, 2020
Black American Truths is a discussion between some of Omaha's community leaders that explores the collective injustice Black Americans can and do face every day.

History

Launched in 2020, and continuing through 2022, Opera Omaha curators Melanie Bacaling, Chabrelle Williams, Andrea Joy Pearson, joined local Omaha artists from a variety of mediums with the purpose of honoring, celebrating, and bringing awareness to the multifaceted stories of the Black community.