The Canadian Opera Company is set to world premiere “Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White” from Canadian director and librettist HAUI and composer Sean Mayes.

White was a Nova Scotian contralto who was the first Black Canadian concert performer to achieve international fame in the mid-20th century.

In a statement, HAUI said, “What a poetic justice to share Portia’s story in the art form that rejected her in her lifetime. And, in sharing this, to be presented by the largest opera company in Canada…talk about justice!” The award-winning multidisciplinary, mixed media artist has previously incorporated theatre, dance, film, and visual arts to bridge the gap between art and activism through the exploration of themes of race, gender, and sexual orientation.”

The opera will star Canadian soprano Neema Bickersteth, American soprano Adrienne Danrich, and treble Henos Girma.

“Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White” is performed in English, Creole, and Joual and will be presented on June 14, 15, and 16, 2024. The world premiere performance will be livestreamed.