A scene from Act I of Lalovavi. Scenic design by Steven C. Kemp.
CINCINNATI (July 2, 2026)—Cincinnati Opera makes history July 9 and 11 at Music Hall with the world premiere of Lalovavi, an Afrofuturist adventure that opens the company’s three-opera Black Opera Project. The bold, new work features a sweeping, cinematic score by Kevin Day and an inspiring libretto by Tifara Brown.
Lalovavi (lah-low-VAH-vee) takes audiences 400 years into the future to a post-apocalyptic city named Atlas, built on the remains of what was once Atlanta. There, a daughter of a tyrannical ruler uncovers a hidden truth, launching her onto a transformative journey toward discovering the true meaning and power of love—of herself, her family, and her people.
The cast of world-renowned singers is led by soprano Brittany Olivia Logan as the heroine Persephone. As her despotic father, Titan, is bass Morris Robinson. Her mother, Niamara, will be sung by soprano Talise Trevigne, and her sister Zipporah, will be performed mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams. The cast also features soprano Adrienne Danrich as Dinah, tenor Terrence Chin-Loy as Lucian, baritone Michael Preacely as Dr. Apollos, and countertenor G. Thomas Allen as Ivavi. Kevin Miller conducts the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Kimille Howard serves as stage director and dramaturg, the 24-voice chorus is led by chorusmaster Donald Lee III, and choreography was created by Chloe O. Davis. The dazzling new production features scenic design by Steven C. Kemp, costume design by Kara Harmon, lighting design by Thomas C. Hase, and wig and makeup design by Tiara Jones.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT:
Cincinnati Opera presents the world premiere of Lalovavi
Music by Kevin Day
Libretto by Tifara Brown
Sung in English and Tut with projected English lyrics
WHEN:
Thursday, July 9, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 11, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
THE STORY:
Set 400 years into the future, Lalovavi is an all-new Afrofuturist adventure that follows Persephone, the youngest daughter of the ruler of Atlas, the city formerly known as Atlanta. Currency and status in Atlas are determined based on the presence of Syndica, a gene that promotes vitality and longevity. When Persephone is found to possess a version of Syndica that confers immortality, she is betrayed by her family and must run for her life. She is thrust into an epic journey, uncovering a hidden past that leads her to discover love’s true meaning and the power to determine her destiny.
Lalovavi is written in both English and Tut, a language created by enslaved Black Americans to communicate in secret; “lalovavi” is the Tut word for “love.”
CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM:
Persephone … Brittany Olivia Logan
Titan … Morris Robinson
Niamara … Talise Trevigne
Dinah … Adrienne Danrich
Zipporah … Zoie Reams
Lucian … Terrence Chin-Loy
Dr. Apollos … Michael Preacely
Ivavi … G. Thomas Allen
Composer … Kevin Day
Librettist … Tifara Brown
Conductor … Kevin Miller
Director & Dramaturg … Kimille Howard
Scenic Designer … Steven C. Kemp
Costume Designer … Kara Harmon
Lighting Designer … Thomas C. Hase
Wig and Makeup Designer … Tiara Jones
Wig Master and Key Make-Up Artist … James Geier
Choreographer … Chloe O. Davis
Chorus Master … Donald Lee III
Co-Orchestrator/Copyist … Josh Trentadue
Stage Manager … Peter Nictakis
Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
TICKETS & INFO:
Tickets start at $25. Call 513-241-2742 or visit cincinnatiopera.org.
Discounts are available for groups, students, educators, young professionals, seniors, SNAP cardholders, and ArtsWave Pass members. Cincinnati Opera also offers Pay What You Wish tickets for the Saturday, July 11 performance of Lalovavi beginning the day of the performance. Details are available at cincinnatiopera.org.
Looking ahead:
Cincinnati Opera
2026 Summer Festival
Lalovavi (world premiere)
Music by Kevin Day
Libretto by Tifara Brown
July 9, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
July 11, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Springer Auditorium, Cincinnati Music Hall
Carmen
Music by Georges Bizet
Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy
July 25, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
July 29, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
July 31, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
August 2, 2026 | 3:00 p.m.
Springer Auditorium, Cincinnati Music Hall
Orpheus and Euridice
Music and text by Ricky Ian Gordon
July 28, 2026 | 8:00 p.m.
July 30, 2026 | 8:00 p.m.
August 1, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Wilks Studio, Cincinnati Music Hall
Visit cincinnatiopera.org for complete details.
Media Contact:
Katie Syroney
Director of Communications
ksyroney@cincinnatiopera.org / 513-768-5526