William Grant Still Cycle at Chandler

An ambitious and groundbreaking endeavor by Opera Vermont

Opera Vermont proudly announces a first-of-its-kind multi-year cycle dedicated to the operatic works of William Grant Still, known as the “Dean of African American Composers.” This eight-year journey will present Still’s music in its full depth and diversity, beginning November 14 & 15, 2025, with A Bayou Legend, and continuing November 13 & 14, 2026, with the long-awaited world premiere of his opera Costaso.

Read About A Bayou Legend

Valley News - Interview and Performance Preview

Seven Days - Magnificent 7
Mountain Times - Interview with Opera Vermont's Joshua Collier
Times Argus - Performance Preview
White River Valley Herald - Performance Preview

A Bayou Legend

The inaugural production, A Bayou Legend (1941), is a poignant opera that weaves themes of love, betrayal, and redemption with Still’s signature lyricism. The following year will mark an extraordinary milestone with the world premiere of Costaso, offering audiences the rare chance to experience a never-before-heard opera from one of America’s greatest musical voices.

William Grant Still

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William Grant Still (1895–1978) composed over 200 works, including symphonies, ballets, operas, chamber music, and spirituals. He was the first African American to conduct a major American orchestra, the first to have a symphony performed by a leading orchestra, and the first to have an opera performed by a major opera company. His legacy as a pioneer of American music is unmatched, yet his operatic works remain

under-performed. Opera Vermont’s cycle courageously seeks to change that narrative.

OPERA VERMONT

Opera Vermont is committed to presenting powerful, inclusive productions that connect audiences with the richness of operatic tradition while simultaneously forging new paths for the art form. By situating William Grant Still’s operas at the heart of its future programming, Opera Vermont continues to champion works that challenge, inspire, and resonate across generations.

To learn more visit: www.operavermont.com