The Life of Omar Ibn Said – The only known autobiography to have been penned in Arabic by an enslaved person in the United States has been rediscovered, and now his true message may finally be heard.

Who was Omar Ibn Said, and why create an opera based on his life?

Find out as Steve Moore, LA Opera League Community Educator explores this inspiring true story about one man’s faith and courage, remembered and retold by remarkable artists in this West Coast premiere.

About Steve Moore – Steve Moore is an amateur musician and self-described armchair musicologist. Although he is a lifelong fan of classical music and jazz, Steve has been inspired by opera in recent years, notably the delight of discovery while perusing opera vocal scores. Thanks to his Community Educator training with LA Opera Connects, Steve has the means to share these discoveries with others.

COMPOSER/LIBRETTIST – Rhiannon Giddens

COMPOSER – Michael Abels

CONDUCTOR – Kazem Abdullah

DIRECTOR – Kaneza Schaal

OMAR – Jamez McCorkle