John Malveaux: “The Summer King” An Opera on the Life of Josh Gibson Thursday, May 8, 2014 7:30 pm Merrill Auditorium, Portland

Josh Gibson (BaseballGuru.com)

John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com writes:

Charles Jarden, General Director of American Opera Projects, shared information about new opera commission. See
http://portlandovations.org/shows/summer-king.shtml

Thanks
John Malveaux

The Summer King A Portland Ovations’ commission and world premiere, The Summer King is a new American opera by Maine –based composer Daniel Sonenberg, who co-wrote the libretto with poet Daniel Nester. Presented in concert form, The Summer King considers the legacy of Negro League baseball player Josh Gibson. A hulking catcher, Gibson’s prodigious talent with a bat earned him the moniker “the black Babe Ruth,” and secured him a spot as the second Negro League ballplayer ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The opera portrays the injustice Gibson suffered at the hands of baseball’s “Gentlemen’s Agreement” and also the thriving culture, characterized by black-owned teams, stadiums and taverns, nightlife and humor. Presented in collaboration with the USM School of Music and American Opera Projects Tickets: $42 $35 Members: $38 $32 Student Deal: $10