Omar at Oberlin

On December 6, Oberlin College & Conservatory is proud to present a special concert performance of the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Omar at Finney Chapel. Composed by Rhiannon Giddens ’00 and Michael Abels, Omar is based on the true story of a 19th-century Islamic scholar from West Africa who was enslaved in South Carolina. This production, which is conducted by John Kennedy ’82, spotlights Giddens and a cast of acclaimed soloists, including Limmie Pulliam ’98, Michael Preacely ’99, Daniel Okulitch ’99, and Daniel McGrew ’15, joined by the Oberlin Orchestra and choral ensembles. Seating passes are required for the Finney Chapel performance, which is sold out. 

A second performance of Omar takes place in Cleveland on December 8 at the Maltz Performing Arts Center. Learn more and order tickets for the free performance.

An overflow live broadcast viewing of the oberlin performance will take place at the Apollo Theater in Oberlin, 19 E. College Street, Oberlin. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Both Oberlin and Cleveland performances will be able to be watched via livestream.

In addition to the Omar performance, Oberlin will present several days of campus-wide programming centered around the opera’s themes. These include lectures and roundtable discussions with members of Oberlin’s faculty, a curated collection of works and student-led discussions at the Allen Memorial Art Museum’s Print Study Room, and special exhibitions at several Oberlin campus libraries. A listing of events can be found below. Read more about the series of events.

Omar

Friday, December 6, 7:30 p.m.
Finney Chapel, Oberlin

Sunday, December 8, 7:00 p.m.
Maltz Center for the Performing Arts, Cleveland

Composers: Rhiannon Giddens ’00 and Michael Abels

Librettist: Rhiannon Giddens ’00

Conductor: John Kennedy ’82

Run Time: 170 minutes including intermission

Sung in English

Featured Soloists:

   Rhiannon Giddens ’00, soprano
   Limmie Pulliam ’98, tenor
   Michael Preacely ’99, baritone
   Daniel Okulitch ’99, bass-baritone
   Daniel McGrew ’15, tenor
   Krysty Swann, mezzo-soprano

With Oberlin College Choir, Oberlin Gospel Choir, Oberlin Musical Union, Oberlin Orchestra

Livestream Information:
Oberlin performance
Maltz Center (Cleveland performance)

With gratitude, Oberlin Conservatory of Music recognizes the following supporters of Oberlin's presentations of Omar by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels.

$50,000 +
Anonymous

$10,000 - $49,999
Sean and Anne Gavin
John P. Murphy Foundation
Pohlman-Keder Family

$5,000 - $9,999
Mary Picken

$2,500 - $4,999
Carolyn Ash
Larry and Arlene Dunn

$100 - $2,499
In memory of Wendell M. Logan