“Every Voice with Terrance McKnight” spotlights the diverse stories and perspectives that reflect the whole of the classical music experience. In this radio special of the final chapter in the season, we discuss Mozart’s “Abduction from the Seraglio” and ask big questions about the future of opera.

Every Voice with Terrance McKnight

[email protected] (Terrance McKnight, Limmie Pulliam, Peter Sellars, Jennifer Welch Babbige, Dr. Sharon Willis, Nathan Stark, Sir Willard White, Nimet Sylvia McNair, Chauncey Packer)

A Radio Special: Mozart’s "Abduction from the Seraglio"

AUG 17, 202358 MIN
Every Voice with Terrance McKnight

A Radio Special: Mozart’s "Abduction from the Seraglio"

AUG 17, 202358 MIN

Description

In the prime of his illustrious career, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ran in the realm of prominent, Black visionaries. But after composing “Zaide,” an unfinished opera depicting a slave revolt, Mozart was commissioned to create a work more palatable to the politics and pocketbooks of the late 18th century European upper class.  

First heard in Vienna in 1782, “ Abduction” catered to the harsh reality of the times. As is too often the case with operas written during this time, characters of African descent are reduced to racist stereotypes, thereby oiling the wheels of Europe’s economic engine — slavery. 

With this in mind, we ask: what does the future look like for opera as an art form? In this final episode of the four-part radio series, the Every Voice production team goes out to Harlem to find out how today’s youth relate to classical music. Join our host Terrance McKnight as he searches for opera’s future with composers, musicians, and thinkers of today. 

“Every Voice” is hosted by Terrance McKnight. The Executive Producer is Tony Phillips. The Executive Producer for WQXR Podcasts is Elizabeth Nonemaker.  Our research team includes Ariel Elizabeth Davis, Pranathi Diwakar, Ian George, and Jasmine Ogiste. Sound design and engineering by Alan Goffinski. Original music composed by Jeromy Thomas and Ashley Jackson. Special thanks to The Met archives.

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.