We are different. We are one.
Scalia/Ginsburg
An Opera by Derrick Wang
Inspired by the opinions of U.S. Supreme Court Justices
Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia
and by the “operatic precedent” of
Händel, Mozart, Rossini, Bellini, Verdi, Offenbach, Bizet, Sullivan, Puccini, Strauss, et al.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia
and by the “operatic precedent” of
Händel, Mozart, Rossini, Bellini, Verdi, Offenbach, Bizet, Sullivan, Puccini, Strauss, et al.
A one hour, one act, comic opera sung in English
Presented at Grisham Hall at St. Anne’s-Belfield
2132 Ivy Rd
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Friday, March 28 at 7:00PM and Saturday, March 29 at 2:00PM
The performance will be followed by a panel discussion of the opera with members of the cast,
creative team, and individuals close to Justice Scalia and Justice Ginsburg.
Presented at Grisham Hall at St. Anne’s-Belfield
2132 Ivy Rd
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Friday, March 28 at 7:00PM and Saturday, March 29 at 2:00PM
The performance will be followed by a panel discussion of the opera with members of the cast,
creative team, and individuals close to Justice Scalia and Justice Ginsburg.
Featuring
Carlos Ahrens
as Justice Antonin Scalia |
Adam Rodgers
as The Commentator |
Karli Forte
as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg |
|
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About the Opera
Hailed as “a dream come true” (Ruth Bader Ginsburg), a “perfect…jewel” (Opera Today), and “the kind of opera that should be everywhere” (OperaWire), Scalia/Ginsburg is a one-act operatic comedy by composer-librettist Derrick Wang about the unlikely friendship between U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia — and the pivotal moment that would change the Supreme Court for years to come. Inspired by the Justices’ own words, this “buoyant show with a deeply serious core” (Süddeutsche Zeitung) was first introduced at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013, ushering in the era of Supreme Court-themed art.
Premiered in 2015 at noted conductor Lorin Maazel’s Castleton Festival and revised for its 2017 production at The Glimmerglass Festival, Scalia/Ginsburg continues to be produced across the United States and abroad, receiving its Australian premiere in 2021 by Orchestra Victoria. OperaDelaware’s 2019 mainstage production of Scalia/Ginsburg, the best-selling show in the company’s 79-year history, has been broadcast on national radio and featured on Live with Carnegie Hall.
Justices Ginsburg and Scalia themselves wrote forewords to Derrick Wang’s libretto, an early version of which was published in the Columbia Journal of Law and the Arts and excerpted as a chapter in Justice Ginsburg’s 2016 book My Own Words. The Los Angeles Times wrote: “Could we please make it a constitutional requirement that no one can be sworn into office in the White House or Congress without having first seen Scalia/Ginsburg?”
Premiered in 2015 at noted conductor Lorin Maazel’s Castleton Festival and revised for its 2017 production at The Glimmerglass Festival, Scalia/Ginsburg continues to be produced across the United States and abroad, receiving its Australian premiere in 2021 by Orchestra Victoria. OperaDelaware’s 2019 mainstage production of Scalia/Ginsburg, the best-selling show in the company’s 79-year history, has been broadcast on national radio and featured on Live with Carnegie Hall.
Justices Ginsburg and Scalia themselves wrote forewords to Derrick Wang’s libretto, an early version of which was published in the Columbia Journal of Law and the Arts and excerpted as a chapter in Justice Ginsburg’s 2016 book My Own Words. The Los Angeles Times wrote: “Could we please make it a constitutional requirement that no one can be sworn into office in the White House or Congress without having first seen Scalia/Ginsburg?”
About Wallace Worx
Charlottesville Opera is proud to announce Wallace Worx, a new initiative to present modern operas in English. A gift from Anne Wallace, a member of the Charlottesville Opera Board of Directors, makes the program possible.
Wallace Worx will focus on showcasing newly composed operas within five to ten years of their premiere, ensuring Charlottesville Opera remains at the forefront of artistic innovation while celebrating the diversity of today’s composers.
The program’s debut performance will feature Scalia/Ginsburg, a comic opera by composer Derrick Wang, inspired by the friendship and judicial writings of U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. Performances will take place on March 28 and 29, 2025, at St. Anne's-Belfield, Grisham Hall.
“We’re building toward the future of opera,” said Leanne Clement, Director of Charlottesville Opera. “Wallace Worx allows us to bring vibrant, contemporary stories to our community and connect with audiences in fresh and meaningful ways.”
“Wallace Worx highlights opera’s tradition of presenting relevant, timely stories that move and entertain us,” said Anne Wallace. “It’s an honor to support this exceptional organization and its mission to celebrate the human voice through live performances.”
Charlottesville Opera expects Anne Wallace's gift to fund three years of Wallace Worx performances as they look forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2027.
Scalia/Ginsburg is presented by special arrangement with Consequent Music.