Opera Theatre Saint Louis has announced that in 2019, the organization will usher in the world premiere of Terence Blanchard and Kasi Lemmons’ “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.”

The announcement was made at the company’s annual press luncheon in New York. The work is based on the memoir of Charles Blow and represents the fifth commission in the New Works, Bold Voices series. This is also the second opera from Blanchard that the company has commissioned as part of the series; the first was “Champion” in 2013.

The opera is set to open on June 15, 2019 and will run for six performances. The production will be directed by Artistic Director James Robinson, who has seen his contract extended through 2021.

The opera will star Julia Bullock and Davoné Tines with William Long conducting.

The work will trace the story of young “Charles-Baby” growing up in Gibsland, Louisiana.

“It is thrilling to work with such an accomplished creative team on this new project,” Robinson stated. “Charles Blow’s story is a gripping and powerful memoir, and I am confident that Kasi Lemmons and Terence Blanchard will transform it into a potent and resonant new opera.”