Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music have announced a public preview of “Lalovavi” on Feb. 1, 2025.

The preview will showcase Acts two and three of Kevin Day’s and Tifara Brown’s new work; Act one was previously previewed in May 2024. “Lalovavi” will premiere in summer 2026 as part of Cincinnati Opera’s “Black Opera Project.”

“Lalovavi” is described as “an Afrofuturist opera set 400 years into the future. It follows the journey of Persephone, the youngest teenage daughter of the Primus of Atlas, formerly the city of Atlanta. Currency and status in Atlas are determined based on the presence of Syndica, a rare gene that promotes vitality and longevity. When Persephone is found to possess this gene, she is betrayed by her family and must run for her life. She is thrust into an epic adventure, uncovering a hidden past that leads her to discover love’s true meaning and the power to determine her own destiny.”

The preview begins at 2 p.m. at Wilks Studio at Cincinnati Music Hall. Admission is free.