The name Terence Blanchard will go down in the books in the music world and in other areas. Because he’ll be the first black composer to have an opera presented at New York’s Metropolitan Opera in its 136-year history.
The jazz trumpeter’s “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” is expected to premier during the Met’s 2021-22 season. It’s based on the memoir of the same name written by New York Times columnist Charles Blow, and it’s about Blow, who’s Black, being raised in segregated Louisiana.
Blanchard’s composition of “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” first premiered at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in June of this year.
Early in his career, he played the background music in classic Spike Lee films like “School Daze,” “Do The Right Thing,” “Malcolm X,” and “BlacKkKlansman.” He also helped score Lee’s 1990 release “Mo’ Better Blues.”
“I wish my father was alive,” Blanchard told The New York Times. “He was an avid opera fanatic.”
Meanwhile, the Met’s general manager Peter Gelb praised Blanchard’s playing skills and said he hopes to see more diversity come through the opera house’s doors.
“He’s a brilliant composer,” said Gelb while speaking to The New York Times. “Hopefully, there will be many more African-American composers whose work we feature.’’
Blanchard shared news of his history-making move to Instagram on Friday, and he once again brought up his father.
“Very proud of this,” he wrote. “Wish my dad were here to see it. Thank you @kasi_lemmons, James Robinson the amazing vocalists and @charlesmblow and the entire cast and crew that made this possible.”
“Congratulations, Terence!!” someone wrote in the comments. “You have certainly put the work in.”
“This is awesome and well deserved!!” wrote someone else.
