(Credit: Fay Fox)

Los Angeles Opera is set to present the world premiere of Joel Thompson’s “Fire and Blue Sky” on June 6, 2024.

The showcase will feature Russell Thomas and Deborah Nansteel as the featured soloists for the new song cycle that is written by librettist Imani Tolliver. The work was created for Thomas who is the LA Opera’s Artist in Residence. The work follows a mother and her son through a journey of healing and hope.

“‘Fire and Blue Sky’ is a deeply personal work about my own origin: a mother and child bound, for better or worse, by trauma and trying to figure out how to navigate a coexistence,” said Thomas in an official press release. “I connected with Imani Tolliver from her own writings about being a survivor of childhood sexual violence. We had extensive discussions getting to know each other and what she created is simply brilliant and emotional without reveling in the trauma. Joel Thompson is perhaps one of the best composers of lyric music and I chose him for his ability to create a beautiful atmosphere through his music.”

Lina González-Granados conducts the showcase.