Decameron Opera Coalition: HEROES

• Karen Slack, soprano

As we slowly emerge from a pandemic and an era of toxic politics, holding heightened perspectives on social justice, global citizenship, and environmental concerns – many of yesterday’s icons no longer serve us as we stride into the heart of the 21st Century. This October, the indie companies of the Decameron Opera Coalition return to your favorite small screen with HEROES – seven world premiere opera short films presented in three episodes, all framed by original art songs by composer Peter Hilliard and librettist Matt Boresi, with special guest Karen Slack, soprano.

Our diverse collection of creators explore the meaning of heroism and profile unsung, unconventional, or misunderstood heroes from varying eras and geographies. HEROES looks forward into a new era of innovation in opera and to increasingly enlightened perspectives on who we hold up as role models and why. Some of the subjects include Hazel Johnson, the “Mother of Environmental Activism”, a Pay-What-You-Can Cafe in an urban food desert, and even the everyday heroes in and around all of our lives.

Available to stream until the end of the year. One ticket gives you access to all three episodes.

HEROES is recommended for viewers age 13 and up. Entries contain images of police violence, alcohol use, the use of one strong racial slur, implication of human trafficking, and a frank, though tasteful, discussion of sex work.

About Decameron Opera Coalition

The Decameron Opera Coalition is a collaboration of unparalleled scope - nine independent opera companies representing local flavors and voices, leveraging the strength of shared creativity and resources, united to cultivate new opera. Together we reach across the country to reshape how opera is created and enjoyed, and what it can accomplish.

The founding members of the coalition are Resonance Works [Pittsburgh], Lyric Opera of the North [Duluth], UrbanArias [Washington DC], Bare Opera [NYC], Opera in the Heights [Houston], Chicago Fringe Opera, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Fargo-Moorhead Opera, and An Opera Theatre [Minneapolis], along with composer and librettist Peter Hilliard and Matt Boresi (The Last American Hammer).

The coalition members commission contemporary opera’s most vital and diverse creative voices to illuminate America’s indispensable indie opera scene, with a dedication to new sounds, unparalleled storytelling, and underrepresented voices. Independent opera companies are where new audiences are born, where seasoned opera appetites are fed, where new work is incubated, and where the craft is nurtured.

About Karen Slack, soprano

Hailed for possessing a voice of extraordinary beauty, a seamless legato and great dramatic depth, American soprano Karen Slack has garnered international renown for her artistic versatility, charisma and entrepreneurial endeavors. A recipient of the 2022 Sphinx Medal of Excellence, Slack is known for her dynamic and passionate performances in both lead operatic roles and on the concert stage; as a sought-after collaborator, curator, and artistic advisor; and for her ground-breaking approach to engagement.