› The Reverend

Reflective of a familiar American headline, this new work by Jeanine Tesori
and Tazewell Thompson centers on the hopes and fears of a young black
couple as they raise a son in 21st-century America.

“The opera Blue is a portrait of a family in crisis,
and the role the community plays in healing their pain.

Creating the role of the Reverend in the world premiere,
was truly an honor.
One might even call it a leap of faith.

What I uncovered during the rehearsal process,
was a connection to my own true spirit,
a trust in my instincts which had been nurtured years ago
in family, church, and community.”

‘Gordon Hawkins used his weathered, imposing baritone to convey the Reverend’s wisdom and radiant compassion.

It was through his voice that we began to comprehend the depth of sorrow at the core of the work.”

Opera News. Link to full review.

BLUE named best new opera by the Music Critics Association of North America.

Black Man In Blue As Family Tragedy Wins Opera Honor

WASHINGTONPOST.COM:

‘Blue’ is the opera on police violence that America needs to see, but can’t

The Glimmerglass favorite is named best new opera by the Music Critics Association of North America.

Washington Post Article (Subscription)

Südwestfunk/German Public Radio, “Black Lives Matter: Wie Rassismus und Polizeigewalt auf US-Opernbühnen zum Thema wird”

Also read: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/30/arts/music/central-park-five-opera.html

Review: Moody “Blue”
Review: An even more startling vocal power came from baritone Gordon Hawkins as the rock-solid reverend

“Blue” (World Premiere)

Jeanine Tesori, composer (Tazewell Thompson, librettist)

Role: The Reverend

Performance Dates: July 14, 26, 29 and August 2, 6, 19,17, 22

Glimmerglass Festival 2019

http://www.glimmerglass.org

Review quotes:

“Act II, which begins after the Son has been killed by a policeman at a protest — an event we do not see — depicts another strained conversation, this time between the bitter Father and the Reverend (the stentorian baritone Gordon Hawkins), a well-intentioned but pontifical counselor.”
Critic’s Pick, The New York Times. Link to full review.

“As the Reverend, Gordon Hawkins brings a wealth of experience to bear along with a penetrating, poised baritone of uncommon power and malleability. Mr. Hawkins’ duet scene with Mr. Kellogg crackled with tension.”
Opera Today. Link to full review.

“Stimmgewaltig Gordon Hawkins, ein auch in Deutschland erfolgreicher Wagner-Bariton. Hawkins hat auch biografische Erfahrungen bei der Rolle. Sein Vater hatte ein hohes kirchliches Amt inne: ‘Der Polizist, dieser junge Mann, denkt nicht, dass die Kirche etwas für ihn tun kann. Aber es ist meine Verantwortung, ihn in seinen Gefühlen zu unterstützen. Ich erwarte nicht, dass er seinen Schmerz vergisst, aber ich versuche zu erreichen, dass er nicht in seinem Schmerz steckenbleibt’.”
Deutschlandfunk. Link to full review.