Historic Met Opera Performance: How SFCM Played a Part
SFCM faculty member Matt Brewer is playing at the NYC Metropolitan Opera for its historic performance of, 鈥楩ire Up in My Bones鈥 by Terence Blanchard. It鈥檚 the opera鈥檚 first performance after an 18-month pandemic pause, and the first time the stage has featured a Black composer.
The Met Opera presents 'Fire Up In My Bones' in a groundbreaking performance of many historic firsts.
By Mark Taylor
On opening night, 鈥Fire Shut Up In My Bones,鈥 received a nearly eight minute standing ovation, and one SFCM professor and musician was there playing a part in the historic performance at the house. Not only was it the first show since the COVID shutdown, but with , it was the first time a Black composer stepped onto the stage.
SFCM RJAM instructor and Jazz bassist Matt Brewer.
Roots, Jazz, and American Music instructor and jazz bassist Matt Brewer was shocked to get the call inviting him to participate from the Met, 鈥淚 thought maybe they had the wrong number at first,鈥 Brewer continued, 鈥淲hen they explained it was for Terence Blanchard鈥檚 opera and I鈥檇 be part of the rhythm section, it started to make a little more sense.鈥 It鈥檚 also the first time Brewer has performed at the opera house.
The opera is based on Charles M. Blow鈥檚 memoir, and tells the impactful story of a young Black man growing up in a rural Louisiana town, with his exuberant childhood shadowed by family discord and abuse. 鈥淭his piece is a truly beautiful work of art with a brilliant libretto that covers some very difficult subjects. It鈥檚 been important on many levels in my opinion. I鈥檝e been moved to tears at every performance,鈥 Brewer said.
As for the unique combination of jazz and opera music, the biggest hurdle to overcome for Brewer was negotiating time and groove between the rhythm section, and the conductor and orchestra, 鈥淭hey have been very gracious about allowing us to be ourselves and play with time and improvise when it鈥檚 appropriate to the music. The Met orchestra and Maestro Yannick N茅zet-S茅guin are incredibly inspiring to work with, and interacting with them has been a huge learning experience.鈥
As for being feet away from history being made, Brewer calls the experience momentous and emotional every time he plays, 鈥淗aving the Met finally present an opera by a Black composer is hugely significant. I鈥檓 just happy for Terence and everyone involved in this production.鈥 Brewer will be playing in all shows until the end of October.
Learn more about RJAM or studying Bass at SFCM.