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Terence Blanchard's Fire Shut Up in My Bones

Ryan Speedo Green and Latonia Moore star in Blanchard's drama of a young man's journey, which in 2021 became the first opera by a black composer to be staged at the New York Met.

Ryan Speedo Green and Latonia Moore star in Blanchard's drama of a young man's journey, which in 2021 became the first opera by a black composer to be staged at the New York Met.

The opera contains subject matter and very strong language, which some listeners may find offensive or upsetting.

Ryan Speedo Green sings Charles, the young man faced with a fateful decision, with Latonia Moore reprising her heartbreaking portrayal of his mother Billie, and Brittany Renee as his girlfriend Greta. Blanchard's score melds opera and jazz into a powerful fusion, and features what is surely the only step dance in opera.

Presented by Debra Lew Harder with commentator Ira Siff.

Blanchard: Fire Shut Up in My Bones
Charles ..... Ryan Speedo Green (bass-baritone)
Billie ..... Latonia Moore (soprano)
Destiny/Loneliness/Greta ..... Brittany Renee (soprano)
Char'es-Baby ..... Ethan Joseph (treble)
Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra
Conductor Evan Rogister

Details of organisations that can provide help and support on some of the issues raised in this opera are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

3 hours, 28 minutes

Last on

Sat 27 Apr 2024 18:00

Music Played

  • Terence Blanchard

    Fire Shut Up in My Bones - Act 1

    Performer: Will Liverman. Performer: Walter Russell III. Performer: Angel Blue. Performer: Latonia Moore. Performer: Chauncey Packer. Performer: Ryan Speedo Green. Performer: Chris Kenney. Performer: Brittany Renee. Orchestra: Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Choir: Metropolitan Opera Chorus. Conductor: Yannick N茅zet鈥怱茅guin.
  • Terence Blanchard

    Fire Shut Up in My Bones: Acts 2 and 3

    Singer: Ryan Speedo Green. Orchestra: New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Choir: New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus. Conductor: Evan Rogister.
  • John Adams

    Harmonium

    Orchestra: San Francisco Symphony. Conductor: John Adams.
    • Harmonium/Choruses from The Death Of Klinghoffer.
    • Nonesuch.
    • 1.

Broadcast

  • Sat 27 Apr 2024 18:00