Opera in the Rock Presents Scalia/Ginsburg

Scalia/Ginsburg Hold Court at the Clinton Center: August 26-29

Opera in the Rock and Clinton Foundation team up to present Scalia/Ginsburg: An Opera by Derrick Wang at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock.

Opera in the Rock (OITR) and the Clinton Foundation are partnering to present the one-act contemporary opera, Scalia/Ginsburg: an Opera by Derrick Wang at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock August 26-29, 2021. Tickets are on sale via www.oitr.org/events.

“Justices Scalia and Ginsburg were opposing voices on the United States Supreme Court, but a common passion drew them together and a beautiful friendship emerged,” says Clinton Foundation Executive Director Stephanie S. Streett. “Scalia/Ginsburg: the opera celebrates this special relationship and reaffirms President Clinton’s common refrain: our differences matter, but our common humanity matters more.”

The opera features the seemingly unlikely friendship between the late Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. Although their interpretations of the Constitution could vary widely, the justices shared a deep love of opera.

“I am delighted that Opera in the Rock is producing Scalia/Ginsburg,” says composer-librettist Derrick Wang. “I am grateful that Scalia/Ginsburg and its theme, ‘We are different, we are one,’ will have the chance to resonate in this time and place of significance in Supreme Court history.”

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is providing a chamber septet under the leadership of Artistic Director Geoffrey Robson. Director Ella Marchment, who is widely acclaimed as one of Europe’s most original and progressive stage directors returns to Opera in the Rock for Scalia/Ginsburg.

Reflecting on her work with OITR and the message of Scalia/Ginsburg, Marchment says, “We are seeing pivotal moments of political history within the U.S. This opera speaks of our ability as a society to be unified despite our distances, and provides a deeply important message as we navigate what life looks like emerging from an unprecedented time in recent history. Additionally, I am greatly looking forward to building future productions with OITR, including Anna Bolena in 2022.

Starring local favorite artists Matthew Tatus and Shannon Rookey in the title roles, audiences should be prepared for a romping good time inspired by judicial opinions with diverse operatic influences. The role of the Commentator is performed by lyric bass Michael Colman who has played the role numerous times including most recently at the Chautauqua Opera in New York.

“I can’t believe this is finally happening!” says OITR Executive and Artistic Director Kate Sain. “Bringing Scalia/Ginsburg to Arkansas has been in the works since Justice Ginsburg’s appearance at Verizon Arena in Fall of 2019, and we couldn’t be more excited to finally see this piece come to life at the Clinton Center, especially when it is so timely.”

Performance Information:

The Great Hall at the Clinton Presidential Center

Thursday, August 26 – Sunday, August 29, 2021 < five ticketed public performances – one preview, an opening night celebration, an evening and two matinee performances >

Tickets – general admission $40 each (does not include 3% processing fee) | $125 for the opening night celebration (Friday, August 27)

< opening night includes the opera performance, a panel discussion with the director and special guests, a dessert reception with a beer and wine hosted bar, and a souvenir show poster >

In compliance with current protocols and recommendations from the Clinton Presidential Center, all ticketed attendees are required to wear masks and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination for admittance to Scalia/Ginsburg performances August 26 – 29, 2021. With concern for the health and safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers, the Clinton Presidential Center has implemented COVID-19 safety protocols.

Anyone entering the facility must wear a mask while indoors. Masks may be lowered for eating and drinking, but are otherwise required to be worn. Masks must completely cover the nose and mouth and must not contain a ventilation valve or vent.
Anyone entering the facility must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination (physical copy or photograph thereof). Those who are unable to produce proof of full vaccination will not be permitted to enter the facility. “Fully vaccinated” means at least 14 days after your final dose of an FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccine.

About Opera in The Rock: Opera In the Rock is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich the cultural life of Arkansans through professional opera performances emphasizing collaboration and diversity to build future audiences for this rich art form. Opera In The Rock is one of only 150 accredited Professional Company Members of Opera America and is the only opera company in Arkansas with this prestigious designation. Visit www.oitr.org to learn more.

Presented in Partnership with the Clinton Foundation – Scalia/Ginsburg is presented by special arrangement with Consequent Music