The Gospel of Matthew in the Christian Bible tells of three magi, sometimes called kings, who followed a bright star to the birthplace of Jesus, born of Mary in Bethlehem. Few details are given in that account, but through the centuries the story has evolved to provide names commonly used today–Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, the African magus.
It is Balthazar who, at the manger, presents the gift of myrrh, a fragrant resin, foreshadowing the child’s death. And, it is his role that inspired Harlem Renaissance composer Margaret Bonds to collaborate with Langston Hughes to celebrate a man of color who was part of the birth story of Jesus. Their work premiered Dec. 12, 1954 with Bonds at the piano. Bonds and Hughes continued their collaboration, producing a fully orchestrated version that was aired on CBS Television in 1960. That Christmas special was dedicated to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On the same date as the premiere, but 67 years later, Syracuse Opera will present “The Ballad of the Brown King” at Tucker Missionary Baptist Church in Syracuse. General and Artistic Director Christian Capocaccia will conduct the Syracuse Opera Chorus, singing together again for the first time since 2019, when Covid prevented vocal performances. Guest soloists will be Kearstin Piper Brown, soprano; Danan Tsan, mezzo-soprano, and Jeremiah Abiah, tenor, with Theresa Chen on piano. Guest choristers from area churches and the Syracuse Community Chorus will join the group on “Now Behold the Lamb,” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
This is the second collaboration between Syracuse Opera and Tucker Baptist Missionary Church. It follows the successful staging of “No Cowards in Our Band,” and continues the effort to make opera available to all by taking performances into the community.
The Rev. Decarto D. Draper, head pastor, welcomes the partnership and invites visitors to the church for this performance. The church observes all protocols for safe gatherings, including proof of vaccination at the door and the wearing of masks while inside.
Gregory Sheppard, Syracuse Opera’s community outreach and engagement manager, said the partnership is important as a means of reaching new audiences with the power and beauty of opera.
“We are looking forward to performing this beautiful, significant work and returning to Tucker to share it with Syracuse music lovers.” Sheppard said. “This is an ideal way for Syracuse Opera to mark the season of Advent and celebrate the heritage we have from two American artists from mid-20th century.”
THE DETAILS
Who: Syracuse Opera
What: “The Ballad of the Brown King”
Where: Tucker Baptist Missionary Church, 515 Oakwood Ave., Syracuse
When: One performance Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.
Run time: One hour and 15 minutes; no intermission
Tickets: Free, but must be reserved ahead at https://www.syracuseopera.org
Covid Protocols: Proof of vaccination at the door; masks, and limited seating
Parking: Free in adjacent lot
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