The world premiere recording of the opera Blue, with music by Jeanine Tesori and libretto by Tazewell Thompson, is available now in a release from Washington National Opera.
Recorded live at the Kennedy Center, this studio recording features Briana Hunter, Kenneth Kellogg, Aaron Crouch, and Gordon Hawkins in the lead roles, with the WNO Orchestra lead by conductor Roderick Cox.
Blue is a portrait of a Black American family (The Father, The Mother, The Son), their love for each other, and the community that surrounds, comforts, and uplifts them when The Son is killed by a police officer during a protest rally.
Released in tandem with the audio recording is Blue: The Documentary, created by Najma Nuriddin, a behind-the-scenes video which explores the inspirations behind and creation of this dramatic and impactful opera.
The genesis of the recording was in response to the COVID-19 outbreak when all in-person gatherings were shuttered just prior to the opening of Blue at the Kennedy Center. To capture and share the vibrancy and energy of live performance, WNO, in association with San Francisco Classical Recording Company, made a full orchestral studio recording of Blue.
The recording is distributed by Pentatone and available for digital purchase, for listening on all major streaming services, and for sale as a double Hybrid SACD set.
Blue continues to touch the hearts of audiences in live performances this season including a very successful run at Seattle Opera in February 2022 with upcoming performances in April and May at Pittsburgh Opera and Toledo Opera in August. Blue will have its European premiere next season at Dutch National Opera in the original production staged by Tazewell Thompson. The UK premiere is also a feature of the 2022-23 season.
For more information, please contact your local Wise Music Promotion Team. See Contact Us.
