In the chamber of his soul, Charles confronts the shadows of his past, embarking on a transformative journey of healing and hope. This suite from Blanchard’s critically acclaimed opera features principal artists from the opera and the composer performing his own score.
February 22nd, 2:30 PM
The Civic Theatre
Meet the Stars
Terence Blanchard
Terence Blanchard, a six-time Grammy-winning trumpeter and composer, premiered Fire Shut Up in My Bones at the Metropolitan Opera in 2021. Known for his prolific work scoring Spike Lee films and powerful recordings like A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina), Blanchard remains a vital creative force deeply connected to jazz and the New Orleans musical tradition.
New Orleans Opera’s February performances of the Fire suite will mark Blanchard’s first time performing this score in his native New Orleans.
Justin Austin
Drama Desk Award-nominated baritone Justin Austin was named Rising Star of the Year at the 2024 International Opera Awards. In the 2025–26 season, he makes his San Francisco Opera debut as the titular Barber of Seville and returns to Houston Grand Opera and Washington National Opera, building on his acclaimed debuts at Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Metropolitan Opera.