SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — Three renowned First American opera soloists will combine talents June 13-15 for performances of “Tosca,” a well-known classic Italian opera.
It may well be the first time in history First Americans have been cast in every leading role in an opera, according to Mission Opera, the company sponsoring the performance.
It was made possible at the suggestion of Chickasaw citizen and opera singer Gabriel Manro.
Manro approached the show’s artistic director, Josh Wentz, about assembling an all First American cast to perform.
Wentz agreed.
Celebrated Muscogee citizen and opera soprano Kirsten C. Kunkle makes her debut in the title role of “Tosca.” Kunkle said she has Chickasaw heritage, although she's an enrolled member of the Muscogee Nation. The opera centers on Kunkle’s character. It is a heart-wrenching love story written in the 19th century.
She is joined by Manro, a baritone, and Hugo Vera, a tenor with Tiwa heritage. The Tiwa (Tigua Pueblo) tribe is located in the Ysleta section of El Paso, Texas. Manro’s wife, Justine Prado Manro, who is of Indigenous Mexican heritage, will serve the production as stage director.
Manro is cast as the villainous Baron Scarpia, Vera as Mario Cavaradossi, who is the love interest of Floria Tosca and Kunkle as Tosca, who will bring the lead role to life on the Canyon High School Performing Arts Center stage.
“It is a very nice performing arts venue that happens to be at a high school,” Kunkle noted.
Vera is reuniting with Kunkle following the Oklahoma City world premiere of the opera “Loksi' Shaali'” (“Shell Shaker”) by Chickasaw classical composer Jerod Tate, which is performed entirely in the Chickasaw language.
The California shows mark an important milestone for First Americans cast in leading roles by an American opera company.
“Of course we find this very exciting. I have worked with Hugo before, but this will be my first performance with Gabriel. I’ve watched him perform, and he is excellent. He also is very invested in his First American heritage, as am I,” Kunkle said.
“This is really a big deal. We’ve been looking for representation in our field. Of course, Jerod Tate has been a leader in the effort to recognize First Americans entering genres previously absent of Indigenous people. When I was a child, I did not have a First American opera singer I looked up to for inspiration,” she said. “The point is there are more First Americans entering these fields and gaining notoriety.”
In “Tosca,” author Giacomo Puccini weaves a tale of love, betrayal and political intrigue set in 19th-century Rome. The opera features the captivating story of the beautiful and passionate Tosca, the artist Cavaradossi, and the repugnant lawman Scarpia.
It features some of the opera world’s most memorable arias and duets. “Tosca” is a must-see for opera lovers and newcomers alike, according to Mission Opera.
“Gabriel and Hugo have worked with Mission Opera many times. Both of them are based in California. I reside in Ohio, but travel frequently for roles,” Kunkle said. In fact, the Muscogee citizen has been a frequent performer in Tate-written operas and concerts.
By involvement with Tate, she became friends with Dr. Joshua Hinson, who assisted Tate by translating lyrics into Chickasaw. She also befriended internationally renowned Chickasaw fashion creator Margaret Roach Wheeler, costume designer for Tate’s opera.
"Since it is such a small world, First American opera performers and composers generally know each other. We have a community. It’s small, but mighty,” Kunkle stated.
For additional information about the opera, contact Nelya Coomans at (661) 247-0777 or Info@MissionOpera.com for showtimes and dates.