On July 30, 2021, award-winning composer-librettist duo Lisa DeSpain and Rachel J. Peters will premiere their newest opera, “Staggerwing,” at the Kansas Aviation Museum.

This new work follows the historic aviatrixes Louis Thaden and Blanche Noyes as they compete in the transcontinental 1936 Bendix Trophy Race. The music will draw from the Wichita region’s Midwestern heritage, with influence from blues, jazz, and Tin Pan Alley song, along with classical voice and opera.

The winner of the 2020 biennial Zepick Modern Opera Competition, “Staggerwing” was awarded $25k for its development, and is supported by an Innovative Partnership Grant from KCAIC, The Walter H. and Olive Ann Beech Memorial Fund at the Wichita Community Foundation, and The William and Mary Lynn Oliver Donor Advised Fund.

“’Staggerwing’ would not be ‘Staggerwing’ without Wichita!” DeSpain and Peters remarked in a press release. “Opera Kansas and Dr. Lyle Zepick generously provided the resources for this opera to exist, and we are doing our best to return the gift. With a critical scene in the opera taking place in Wichita midway through the race, Beechcraft remains a source of Wichita pride, economic support and continuous aviation innovation. Walter and Olive Ann Beech posthumously remain local heroes for their tireless efforts in the field, and our opera is a tribute to the city they called home.”

The premiere will follow a gala reception and a pre-show talk, featuring DeSpain, Peters, and Dr. Zepick. There will be an encore performance the following night, as well as matinee performances of July 31 and August 1.