Opera Parallèle has announced the world premiere of a new opera inspired by the life of heroic Harriet Tubman entitled “Harriet’s Spirit.”

The new opera features new music by Bay Area-based jazz composer and bassist Marcus Shelby and a libretto by Roma Olvera as part of OP’s acclaimed Hands-On Opera program, which creates and presents accessible and sophisticated new music theater works in collaboration with elementary school children during an intensive residency.

The opera is headed by the creative team of Shelby and Olvera will be conducted by Luçik Aprahämian and directed by Erin Neff. Stage Manager Lucy Coarsey and Production Designer Rachael Heiman will also work on the production with jazz vocalist Tiffany Austin as Harriet Tubman and soprano Christabel Nunoo as Modesty.

Performances will be given Jan. 18, 2018 at 6 p.m. and January 20 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Buriel Clay Theater of the African American Art and Culture Complex.