Jonah & the Whale

Opera in One Act (2014)
Libretto by Velina Hasu Houston
Three Voices, SATB, Children’s Choir; Piano (4-hands), 2 Percussion, Organ, Piano (four hands), Vn, Va, Vc, Cb
Duration: 75″
Full Score ::Piano Vocal Score
Archival video/audio is available, please contact for details.
Commissioned by The Los Angeles Opera
Premiere: March 21, 2014; The Los Angeles Opera; James Conlon, conductor
Hae Ji Chang, soprano; Cassandra Zoe Velasco, mezzo-soprano; Matthew O’Neill, tenor
Further information at Los Angeles Opera
Based on the familiar Old Testament tale, Jonah and the Whale explores the universal themes of overcoming personal fear and the burden of responsibility for the greater good of humankind.

Professional singers and musicians from LA Opera collaborated with more than 400 members of the Los Angeles community to present the world premiere of Jonah and the Whale. The production featured professional opera singers in the leading roles, performing together with community-based performers from schools, churches, choirs and orchestras, from every part of Los Angeles.