Rhiannon Giddens Instagram – Ok now that the shock has worn off (just kidding, it probably never will)- I just have to say a humongous thank you to the @pulitzerprizes committee for recognizing this piece – and for giving the remarkable story of Omar ibn Said more light. This is cultural work, it’s heavy work, it energizing work, its spirit work. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. This is what art is for – to make emotional connections to stories other than my own, and I am grateful to have been given these words and this music to shephard, and to have had as wonderful of a collaborator as @_michaelabels.
From the minute Zeyba Rahman suggested Omar’s story to Nigel Redden and Nicole Taney of @spoletofestivalusa (thanks for thinking of this banjo player, Nicole!), and they decided to take a chance with this story, the journey has been incredible and the community their vision made possible, invincible; Mena Hanna (@instantmena) who took over the stewardship of Omar (and Spoleto!) with passion; the absolutely remarkable Kaneza Schaal (@kanezaschaal), Christopher Myers and their unbelievable team of creative souls who make the audiences sigh in awe; all of the co-commissioners; Spoleto, @uncchapelhill Southern Futures, @laopera, @bostonlyricopera, @sfopera, @lyricopera who bet on this unique story; – the original workshop/premiere cast and all of the singers, dancers, musicians, and conductors who have planted their remarkable flags into this work so far- and Jamez McCorkle (@operabear) above all, who has given Omar the most remarkable life I could ever imagine. | Posted on 09/May/2023 05:14:14
