Dear Friends,
At this time of deep social unrest, we stand with protesters - those who advocate for justice, the right to be seen, heard and treated as equal. We are mourning with George Floyd’s family and the families of all the black men and women whose lives have been cut short because of how they look.
Education and research are extremely important in everything we do at Opera Lafayette. We encourage you to join us in this time of self-reflection and learning. The arts are for everyone and our greatest hope is that we are able to join together again after the pandemic and the protesting with a better understanding of our fellow Americans, their struggles and their paths.
If you find yourself conflicted about what is happening or how you may help in your own way, our Community Engagement Manager Ersian Francois has linked a set of resources from which you can learn on your own terms what some of our fellow countrymen are feeling right now.
With the recent culmination of Opera Lafayette’s online Leonore Series, we offer two fitting quotes from the respective productions that still resonate today.
Gaveaux's Léonore ends with the words 'Let us see the return of Justice and Truth.'
Beethoven's Leonore ends with 'God, you try us, but do not forsake us.' Listen now.
We will continue to work to ensure we hold these values true.
With Love,
Opera Lafayette