Wed, Oct 21 2020 | 6:00 PM
Streaming Online
Co-presented by SFJAZZ & Opera Parallèle
(Recorded February 2016)
PREMIERE BROADCAST
WED, OCT 21 · 6 PM PT (9 PM ET)
AVAILABLE ON DEMAND
WED, OCT 21 · 8:30 PM PT (11:30 AM ET)—SUN, OCT 25 · 11:59 PM PT (2:59AM ET)
Running Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes, w/ a 3 minute intermission
A groundbreaking work combining the disciplines of opera and jazz, Terence Blanchard’s Champion: An Opera in Jazz tells the real-life story of world champion boxer Emile Griffith, a man haunted by memories of his past. Produced by SFJAZZ in conjunction with Opera Parallèle and performed over two sold-out weeks in February 2016, Champion is a visually stunning production featuring elaborate staging and video elements with a jazz trio, orchestra and chorus. The opera features a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Michael Cristofer and features renowned bass Arthur Woodley as the title character.
Watch this opera and enjoy more SFJAZZ digital offerings by becoming an SFJAZZ Member, starting at $5 per one-month, or $60 annually.
Tormented by the death of opponent Benny Paret following their 1962 bout for the welterweight title, Griffith spent his life questioning himself and a society that would accept his accidental killing of a fellow athlete, but not his sexuality.
Program Notes, Synopsis, & Bios
A Story of the Human Condition (On the Corner)
For this special broadcast, tip-jar proceeds will be split mutually between SFJAZZ, Opera Parallèle, Terence Blanchard, and all the opera's cast and performers.
CO-PRESENTED BY SFJAZZ AND OPERA PARALLÈLE
Nicole Paiment conductor
Brian Staufenbiel director
Terence Blanchard composer
Michael Cristofer librettist
Joe Orrach choreographer, boxing/movement coach/ speedbag artist
Cast in Order of Appearance|
Arthur Woodley Emile Griffith
Andres Ramirez Luis Rodrigo Griffith, Emile’s adopted son and caretaker
Mark Hernandez Ring Announcer
Kenneth Kellogg Young Emile Griffith
Karen Slack Emelda Griffith, Emile’s mother
Robert Orth Howie Albert, Emile’s trainer
Michelle Rice Kathy Hagan, a bar owner
Aisha Campbell Cousin Blanche
Moses Abrahamson (Feb. 19, 21, 24, 27) Little Emile
Evan Holloway (Feb. 20, 23, 26, 28) Little Emile
Victor Ryan Robertson Benny ‘Kid’ Paret/Benny Paret Jr, a boxer/his son
Chabrelle Williams Sadie Donastrog Griffith
Bradley Kynard Man in a Bar
CHORUS OF PARADERS, REPORTERS, AND BOXING FANS
Michael Mohammed
Chester Pidduck
Tamara Richards
John Roevekamp
Sabrina Romero-Wilson
Yemonja Stanley
Alex Taite
Nicole Takesono
John Vitale
Krista Wigle
Carrie Zhang
DANCERS
Christopher Malik Simon Hahn
Olaniyan Da-da Oseye Eaglin
JAZZ TRIO
Edward Simon piano
Marcus Shelby bass
Dr. Jaz Sawyer drums
CO-PRESENTED BY SFJAZZ AND OPERA PARALLÈLE
Nicole Paiment conductor
Brian Staufenbiel director
Terence Blanchard composer
Michael Cristofer librettist
Joe Orrach choreographer, boxing/movement coach/ speedbag artist
Cast in Order of Appearance|
Arthur Woodley Emile Griffith
Andres Ramirez Luis Rodrigo Griffith, Emile’s adopted son and caretaker
Mark Hernandez Ring Announcer
Kenneth Kellogg Young Emile Griffith
Karen Slack Emelda Griffith, Emile’s mother
Robert Orth Howie Albert, Emile’s trainer
Michelle Rice Kathy Hagan, a bar owner
Aisha Campbell Cousin Blanche
Moses Abrahamson (Feb. 19, 21, 24, 27) Little Emile
Evan Holloway (Feb. 20, 23, 26, 28) Little Emile
Victor Ryan Robertson Benny ‘Kid’ Paret/Benny Paret Jr, a boxer/his son
Chabrelle Williams Sadie Donastrog Griffith
Bradley Kynard Man in a Bar
CHORUS OF PARADERS, REPORTERS, AND BOXING FANS
Michael Mohammed
Chester Pidduck
Tamara Richards
John Roevekamp
Sabrina Romero-Wilson
Yemonja Stanley
Alex Taite
Nicole Takesono
John Vitale
Krista Wigle
Carrie Zhang
DANCERS
Christopher Malik Simon Hahn
Olaniyan Da-da Oseye Eaglin
JAZZ TRIO
Edward Simon piano
Marcus Shelby bass
Dr. Jaz Sawyer drums
Anyone in doubt about the power of great music theater to reach and move an audience at the deepest levels must see and hear this remarkable hybrid opera.
San Francisco Classical Voice
Anyone in doubt about the power of great music theater to reach and move an audience at the deepest levels must see and hear this remarkable hybrid opera.
San Francisco Classical Voice
Watch & Read
Press
Champion fuses jazz and opera in boxing tale (SF Gate)
Champion Delivers Emotional TKO (SF Classical Voice)
Inspired portrayal of a gay 'Champion' (Bay Area Reporter)
Review: Champion: An Opera in Jazz at SFAJAZZ (Theatre Storm)
Champion Review (Opera News)
Press
Champion fuses jazz and opera in boxing tale (SF Gate)
Champion Delivers Emotional TKO (SF Classical Voice)
Inspired portrayal of a gay 'Champion' (Bay Area Reporter)
Review: Champion: An Opera in Jazz at SFAJAZZ (Theatre Storm)
Champion Review (Opera News)
TUE, OCT 20 • 5 PM PT – FREE EVENT
Ringside: Online Panel Discussion w/ Artists from 'Champion: An Opera In Jazz'
Hosted by Opera Parallele Founder & Artistic Director Nicole Paiement, the discussion will include SFJAZZ Founder & Executive Artistic Director Randall Kline, SF Conservatory of Music faculty member Michael Mohammed, cast members Kenneth Kellogg, Arthur Woodley, and Karen Slack, as well as bassist Marcus Shelby.
WATCHTUE, OCT 20 • 5 PM PT – FREE EVENT
Ringside: Online Panel Discussion w/ Artists from 'Champion: An Opera In Jazz'
Hosted by Opera Parallele Founder & Artistic Director Nicole Paiement, the discussion will include SFJAZZ Founder & Executive Artistic Director Randall Kline, SF Conservatory of Music faculty member Michael Mohammed, cast members Kenneth Kellogg, Arthur Woodley, and Karen Slack, as well as bassist Marcus Shelby.
WATCH