Hosts Nicole Franklin and Bryant Monteilh bring the voice of Fannie Lou Hamer to the microphone by way of the opera "This Little Light of Mine," by composer Chandler Carter and librettist Diana Solomon-Glover. Guest Diana Solomon-Glover, a celebrated opera singer herself, shares Hamer's riveting story.
Diana Solomon-Glover answered the call from her friend and musical collaborator Chandler Carter to pursue a commission by the Santa Fe Opera for new works. They presented the story of Fannie Lou Hamer as an opera, won the commission and the upcoming debut is sure to be a theatrical experience like no other.
Diana is a longtime friend of Before You Go co-host Nicole Franklin. In this interview, Franklin and Bryant Monteilh learn first-hand how classical music and African American stories are what audiences have been waiting for, and in which Diana brings a lifetime of classical music experience. As the librettist, Diana took a deep dive into Hamer's life, accomplishments and colorful quotes. Hamer did not realize until her 40s that she was even eligible to participate in the electoral process. In rallying fellow Mississippians and a nation, she experienced a violent beating while in police custody and had been the victim of forced sterilization when a surgeon performed an unauthorized hysterectomy. Diana details it all. And, through it all, Fannie Lou Hamer still inspires generations of young activists and those who benefited from her fight.
Excerpts from "This Little Light of Mine" rehearsals of Santa Fe opera and Kentucky Opera may be found here.
Details about the opera's debut may be found here.
This episode premiered on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles, CA.