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Press Releases
Nov. 11: Tomb of the Unknown @ 100
100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is commemorated by new music
November 11: Online premiere of "UNKNOWN", a dramatic song cycle, filmed on location
UrbanArias commissioned acclaimed composer Shawn Okpebholo and poet laureate Marcus Amaker
Arts organizations across the country are co-commissioners: Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, Opera Colorado, The Dallas Opera, Minnesota Opera, and Opera Birmingham
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A new set of dramatic songs commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
On November 11, 2021 - the date of the Tomb’s centennial - a cinematic treatment of the premiere performance of UNKNOWN with dramatic and historical scenes will be available online for a (newly extended) run of one month.
UrbanArias, an opera company based in Arlington, Virginia, commissioned the composer Shawn Okpebholo and the poet Marcus Amaker to write a song cycle for this occasion. The two had previously collaborated on an acclaimed work, Two Black Churches.
UNKNOWN explores the ideas of war, honor, and memory through the eyes of soldiers, family members, and Tomb Guards who are connected to each other and the Tomb through their mutual service and sacrifice. The Tomb Guards' motto, “Soldiers never die until they are forgotten. Tomb Guards never forget,” captures the solemn and profound significance of their duty.
Featured performers are baritones Michael Mayes and Schyler Vargas and mezzo-soprano Taylor Raven, accompanied by members of the Inscape Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Robert Wood, the Founder and Artistic Director of UrbanArias and directed by Kristine McIntyre.
The online premiere of the film of UNKNOWN is on Thursday, November 11, 2021, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Register now for free on-demand streaming on UrbanArias website.
Co-commissioning companies include Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, Opera Colorado, The Dallas Opera, Minnesota Opera, and Opera Birmingham. Major support for the commission is also provided by Stephen E. and Dorothy P. Bird of Denver, CO.
Calendar ListingUrbanArias presents the world premiere of
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