“Charlie Parker’s Yardbird”

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Guests: Lawrence Brownlee, Angela Brown, Bridgette Wimberly, Daniel Schnyder

Opera Philadelphia is in the midst of its first world premiere in almost 40 years. The opera, which is currently running at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, is called Charlie Parker’s Yardbird. The story takes place in the posthumous mind of the bebop innovator, and through flashbacks and surreal episodes, tells the tale of one of America’s jazz greats. Today on Radio Times, we talk with tenor LAWRENCE BROWNLEE, who stars in the opera as the titular character. We’ll also speak with soprano ANGELA BROWN, who portrays Parker’s mother, and with librettist BRIDGETTE WIMBERLY, who will provide insight into the life and mind of the late saxophonist.  And, we’ll hear from the show’s composer, DANIEL SCHNYDER.

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