The Human Family

The Human Family: a Recital with Joshua Conyers, Ibidunni Ojikutu and Ellaina Lewis, with pianist Donald Lee III

Performances in January and February around Seattle

Ticket Information below

I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.”

- Malcolm X

Enjoy a recital featuring cast members from X: The Life of Times of Malcolm X. Joshua Conyers’ (Blue ’22) “tender baritone” (Opera News) will be joined by frequent Seattle Opera collaborators and chorus members sopranos Ibidunni Ojikutu (A Thousand Splendid Suns ’23, Porgy and Bess ’18, Creation Lab), and Ellaina Lewis (Blue ’22, Porgy and Bess ’18, From His Heart’s Deep Core) for an evening of music from across the ages, accompanied by pianist Donald Lee III. The varied program includes spirituals, works by Florence Price as well as selections from Verdi's Aida, Bellini's La Sonnambula, and Man of La Mancha.

Upcoming Performances

Thursday, February 29, 2024 7:00 PM

Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute | 104 17th Ave S, Seattle

General Admission: $20, Seniors/Students: $10
Pay What You Can tickets are also available on a sliding scale fee (minimum $5).

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Add to Calendar 2/29/2024 7:00:00 PM 2/29/2024 7:00:00 PM America/Vancouver The Human Family: a Recital with Joshua Conyers, Ibidunni Ojikutu and Ellaina Lewis, with pianist Donald Lee III The Human Family: a Recital with Joshua Conyers, Ibidunni Ojikutu and Ellaina Lewis Saturday, January 27th, 7:30 PM Tagney Jones Hall, Opera Center Enjoy a recital featuring cast members from X: The Life of Times of Malcolm X. Joshua Conyers’ (Blue ’22) “tender baritone” (Opera News) will be joined by frequent Seattle Opera collaborators and chorus members sopranos Ibidunni Ojikutu (A Thousand Splendid Suns ’23, Porgy and Bess ’18, Creation Lab), and Ellaina Lewis (Blue ’22, Porgy and Bess ’18, From His Heart’s Deep Core) for an evening of music from across the ages. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute | 104 17th Ave S, Seattle

General Admission: $20, Seniors/Students: $10
Pay What You Can tickets are also available on a sliding scale fee (minimum $5).

Add to Calendar 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM America/Vancouver The Human Family: a Recital with Joshua Conyers, Ibidunni Ojikutu and Ellaina Lewis, with pianist Donald Lee III The Human Family: a Recital with Joshua Conyers, Ibidunni Ojikutu and Ellaina Lewis Saturday, January 27th, 7:30 PM Tagney Jones Hall, Opera Center Enjoy a recital featuring cast members from X: The Life of Times of Malcolm X. Joshua Conyers’ (Blue ’22) “tender baritone” (Opera News) will be joined by frequent Seattle Opera collaborators and chorus members sopranos Ibidunni Ojikutu (A Thousand Splendid Suns ’23, Porgy and Bess ’18, Creation Lab), and Ellaina Lewis (Blue ’22, Porgy and Bess ’18, From His Heart’s Deep Core) for an evening of music from across the ages.

Watch: Ellaina Lewis & Gretchen Yanover—Lift Every Voice and Sing

Watch: Ibidunni Ojikuktu—Strawberry Woman

Artists

Joshua Conyers
Baritone
Hometown: Bronx, NY, United States
Seattle Opera Debut: Police Buddy 3/Congregant 3, Blue (’22)
Engagements: Reginald, X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X (Detroit Opera and Opera Omaha); Garby (cover), The Factotum (Lyric Opera of Chicago), Tonio, Pagliacci (Sacramento Philharmonic); Policeman 3/Congregant 3, Blue (English National Opera); Marcello, La bohème (Chattanooga Symphony); Iago, Otello (Vashon Opera)

Ellaina Lewis
Soprano
Hometown: Washington, DC
Seattle Opera Debut: Strawberry Woman, Porgy and Bess (’18)
Previously at Seattle Opera: Chorus Member, La bohème (’21); Shepherd Boy, Tosca (’21); Chorus Member, Eugene Onegin (’20); Girlfriend 2/Congregant 2, Blue (‘22)
Engagements: Recitalist, Songs of Prayer and Promise (Saltwater Music Series); Soloist, Huntley Beyer’s World Out of Balance (Harmonia Orchestra & Chorus)

Ibidunni Ojikutu
Soprano
Hometown: Bellingham, WA
Seattle Opera Debut: Strawberry Woman, Porgy and Bess (’11)
Previously at Seattle Opera: Serena, Porgy and Bess (’18); Wife #2/Market Woman #2, A Thousand Splendid Suns
Engagements: Elsa, Lohengrin (Sky Opera); Antron's Mother, The Central Park Five (Portland Opera); Soprano Soloist, Extraordinary Measures (Mount Baker Theater); Aida, Aida (Sky Opera); Recitalist (Sun Valley Opera); Recitalist, Wisdom (The Lincoln Theater)

Donald Lee III
Accompanist
Hometown: Hampton, VA
Seattle Opera Debut
Engagements: Inaugural Conducting Member (Ryan Opera Center); Associate Conductor, Carmen (Des Moines Metro Opera 2023); Pianist, Recital with Lawrence Brownlee (Live from WFMT); Conductor, Montgomery and the Blacknificent Seven (Chicago Symphony Orchestra); Guest Soloist, Florence Price Piano Concerto (UMD Symphony Orchestra); Associate Conductor, Salome (Des Moines Metro Opera)