Champion - An Opera in Jazz

What if your greatest professional triumph – a triumph the world cheered – was also your greatest personal tragedy? In 1962, World Welterweight Champion Emile Griffith claimed his title in a televised match that resulted in the death of his opponent Benny “The Kid” Paret. The fight would transform Griffith into a contemporary tragic hero – a man of strength and courage, consumed ultimately by regret and by the truth of what may have caused his terrible rage that night.

Featuring Denyce Graves, Aubrey Allicock, Robert Orth, and Arthur Woodley. Terence Blanchard, Composer.

Single Tickets go on sale February 23, 2013 - Opera Theatre of Saint Louis performances: June 15, 19, 21, 25, 27, 30, 2013.