Details

Opera, by celebrated jazz musician Julian Joseph and writer Mike Phillips, recreates the story of the remarkable George Bridgetower. Born into slavery, Bridgetower became the darling prodigy of the Prince Regent, a friend of Haydn and Beethoven, violin virtuoso, and composer. Featuring jazz and classically trained singers and members of the Julian Joseph Big Band, this new opera has been created to mark the bi-centennial of the signing of the Act of Abolition of Slavery. World Premiere. Sung in English.

Cast/Performers

Cleveland Watkiss, Jonathan Peter Kenny, Jamal Hope (George Polgreen Bridgetower at 10 years old), Isaac Cobbinah (George Polgreen Bridgetower at 10 years old), Cleveland Watkiss (George Polgreen Bridgetower as a young man), Franz Hepburn (George Polgreen Bridgetower as a young man), Buddug Verona James (Mrs FitzHerbert / Wilberforce), Jonathan Peter Kenny (Prince of Wales / Wilberforce)

Creatives/Company

Music: Julian Joseph
Lyrics: Mike Phillips
Company(s): English Touring Opera, Julian Joseph Big Band
Director: Helen Eastman