The Seattle Opera is set to present Tazewell Thompson’s “Jubilee” from Oct. 12-26 at McCaw Hall.

The work tells the story of a group of Black American singers who brought African American spirituals to audiences around the world.

The score comprises over 40 spirituals, from “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Wade in the Water” to “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” and “Balm in Gilead,” and follows the Fisk Jubilee Singers as they embark on their first tours, raising money for the fledgling Fisk University.

In a statement Thompson said, “Spirituals formed the foundation of gospel, blues, jazz, R&B and even hip-hop – and the Jubilees introduced this music to the world. Their fundraising concerts were also directly responsible for the survival of one of America’s earliest Black universities. The Jubilees put their lives on the line quite literally, going without food, freezing in the winter, suffering from illness and violent hostility on a punishing tour schedule – because they knew that education was the path to real power and lasting freedom.”

Conceived and written by Thompson, “Jubilee” features vocal arrangements by Dianne Adams McDowell and orchestration by Michael Ellis Ingram.

Under Thompson’s stage direction, the world premiere production will showcase conductor Kellen Gray, in his Seattle Opera debut and a 13-member ensemble cast along with a 48-piece orchestra. The cast includes Aubrey Allicock, Lisa Arrindell, Martin Bakari, Tyrone W. Chambers II, Martin Luther Clark, Sarah Joyce Cooper, Darren Drone, Hannah Jones, Natalie Lewis, Aundi Marie Moore, Ibidunni Ojikutu, Tiffany Townsend, and Greg Watkins.