MADISON, WISCONSIN, USA:  Debut with Madison Opera

Conducted by John DeMain
Directed by Ron Daniels
Music by Daniel Schnyder
Libretto by Bridgette A. Wimberly

New York City, 1955.  As his body lies unclaimed in the morgue, saxophone great Charlie Parker returns in spirit to the jazz club Birdland, determined to compose a final masterpiece. Family and friends blend in and out of his memories in an acclaimed new opera that tells of his tortured, brilliant life “with a pulsing, jazz-infused score” (The New York Times).  Charlie Parker’s Yardbird was widely praised following its 2015 premiere. The Wall Street Journal said, “its rhythms snap and swing, its melodies – including real arias – seize the ear, its ensembles crackle with energy.”

Madison Opera will be only the second company to perform this theatrical tour de force that melds jazz and opera – don’t miss it!