Lyric Fest is set to premiere a brand new, immersive multimedia commission, “COTTON.”

The new work is set to premiere on Nov. 12, 2022 at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, as part of its 20th Anniversary season. The work will later be performed in Washington, D.C., and New York City.

The project will bring together John Dowell’s fine art photography; newly commissioned poems by renowned African American poets Nikki Giovanni, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Lauren Alleyne, Afaa Michael Weaver, Trapeta Mayson, Glenis Redmond, Charlotte Blake Alston, and Alora Young; and composer Damien Geter’s music. The work will showcase the lasting effects of the cotton industry and slavery on American society.

The world premiere will feature mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves and baritone Justin Austin, with Lyric Fest Co-founding Artistic Director Laura Ward joining on piano.

“COTTON aims to take the audience on a journey of the mind and heart. We hope that it might encourage a more enlightened dialogue about racial issues in America,” said Artistic Director Suzanne DuPlantis.