Onyx Opera Inc., in celebration of Black History Month, invites the St. Croix community to the first historical ‘live opera’ tribute to Paul Robeson. Government House, Christiansted, St. Croix, will host the event on Friday, Feb. 23.
The live, classical music performance will be accompanied by Helge Jeppesen Jr. on piano, Marsvyn David on bass, Tina Thompson on flute and a youth chorus from local high schools.
This performance is free to the public. To register, visit www.OnyxOpera.org or call 227-3879. Attire is ‘After 5.’
Young people are encouraged to attend.
The opening reception will be held from 5-6 p.m. At 6-6:30, a short special video will be shown of Paul Robeson’s life.
The performance will be 6:30-8 p.m. Samuel J. Eudovique, artistic director and founder of the Onyx Opera Inc., will perform the evening’s opera. Eudovique recently returned to St. Croix and established the Onyx Community Rehabilitation Center at the former Manor School in La Grande Princesse where Onyx Opera Inc. is housed.
Eudovique is a recent mini-grant recipient from the Virgin Islands Council of the Arts for 2018. Musically talented students will have an opportunity to audition for the free classes called Rock the Opera.
Eudovique is a tenor and has been strongly influenced by Paul Robeson’s vocal talents, academic achievements and activism. Recognizing that not everyone is familiar with Robeson’s contributions to the global community, Black History Month is the perfect time to bring an uplifting classical musical celebration to the people of St. Croix.
Following the emotional and physical impact of Hurricane Maria, it is reminiscent of Paul Robeson’s tribute to the gathered crowds, “Warmest greetings to my beloved Wales. It is a great privilege to be participating in this historic festival, and all the best to you, as we strive towards a world where we all can live abundant, peaceful and dignified lives.”
For more information, contact Samuel J. Eudovique at (954) 559-7476, dtenorbiz1@gmail.com, or www.onyxopera.org
Contact Diane J. Hampton at (340) 227-3879 or dianejhampton@yahoocom
