The Opera/South Company of Jackson, Mississippi, stands as a significant pillar in the cultural and artistic history of the region. It was founded in 1970 by the visionary Sister Mary Elise Sisson, a retired director of opera from Xavier University of Louisiana and chartered by the State of Mississippi in 1971 under the sponsorship of three Black colleges in or near Jackson, Mississippi: Jackson State University, Utica Junior College, and Tougaloo College, all members of the Mississippi Inter-Collegiate Opera Guild. For its debut in May 1971, the company staged Verdi’s Aida, using professional artists in the leading roles and college students for the choruses and ballets.
Sisson’s passion for opera and her commitment to social justice and equality drove the establishment of Opera/South. She believed in the power of the arts to bridge racial divides and provide a voice to the underrepresented. Through her tireless efforts, the company became a beacon for aspiring Black opera singers, offering them opportunities to perform in major productions and develop their craft in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Since its inception, the company has produced some 20 operas, eight of which were world premieres by Black American composers. Among the eight world premieres to receive considerable notoriety is A Bayou Legend by Mississippi native composer William Grant Still. The telecast was produced by the Mississippi Association for Educational Television through a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. A Bayou Legend was aired nationally via PBS and received the International Film and TV Festival of New York bronze award and a nomination for an Emmy Award. Other world premieres include Highway 1 USA by William Grant Still and Jubilee by Ulysses Kay, based on the novel Jubilee by the acclaimed Mississippi historian and writer, Margaret Walker Alexander.
Opera/South has been recognized nationally through favorable reviews that appeared in the Washington Post, Opera News, Musical America, London Opera, Time, Newsweek and Ebony magazines. Additionally, three performances were broadcast in their entirety to Europe via Voice of America. Through this process Opera/South established a vast reputation and won a place among 32 American opera companies listed in the International Who’s Who in Opera.
JSU students also benefit from the operatic productions of Opera/South. They are given the opportunity to participate in all facets of professional opera as performers of secondary roles, choristers and production technicians. Opera/South’s influence is felt in other communities through Mississippi. Many of the students continue in teaching and performing careers. Thus, the experience obtained through their affiliation with opera through Opera/South allowed them to share aesthetic enrichment with others in different environments and locations.
One of the most notable aspects of Opera/South is its emphasis on education and community engagement. The company regularly holds workshops, masterclasses, and educational programs aimed at cultivating a love for opera among young people and the wider community. These initiatives help to demystify opera, making it more accessible and relatable to diverse audiences.
Opera/South’s influence extends far beyond Jackson, as it has collaborated with other opera companies and cultural institutions across the country. These partnerships further amplify the company’s mission and provide its artists with greater exposure and opportunities. Notable performers who have graced the Opera/South stage went on to achieve national and international acclaim, serving as role models for future generations of Black opera singers.
After a short period of dormancy, JSU President James A. Hefner institutionalized the Opera/South Company in 1984, making Jackson State University its sole sponsoring institution. Despite the success of this revitalization effort, Opera/South has faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints and the broader struggles associated with maintaining a performing arts organization. Nevertheless, the company’s resilience and commitment to its mission have allowed it to persevere and leave an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of Jackson and the opera world at large.
In conclusion, the Opera/South Company of Jackson, Mississippi represents a crucial chapter in the history of American opera. As the historic company awakens again from a state of dormancy in the 21st century, Jackson State University, its sponsoring institution, is dedicated to continuing the company’s legacy of showcasing African American talent and its unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and cultural education. Opera/South has not only enriched the lives of its performers and audiences but also contributed significantly to the progress of racial equality in the arts. The legacy of Sister Elise Sisson and Opera/South continues to inspire and remind us of the transformative power of the arts in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
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