Breaking Barriers and Shaping New Futures: The Impact of “Fire Shut Up in My Bones”

Terence Blanchard

How does Fire Shut Up In My Bones redefine opera?

Rewind to September 2021, when the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, darkened for more than a year by the pandemic, reopened its doors with a groundbreaking performance: the first work in its 138-year history composed by an African American — Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones (January 21, 2025, Loeb Playhouse). This bold choice marked a historic moment for the storied institution, shattering barriers and opening new artistic avenues. Adapted from the acclaimed 2014 memoir of the same name by New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow, the opera tells a deeply personal and universally resonant story of trauma, identity, and healing. 

Premiered initially by the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in 2019, Fire Shut Up in My Bones (synopsis) was hailed for its innovative blending of jazz, gospel, blues, and classical opera traditions. The Met’s production, experienced by over 30,000 audience members and countless more through its Met: Live in HD rebroadcasts, became a cultural touchstone. The opera’s return to The Met in the 2023-2024 season underscored its transformative impact and enduring significance, cementing it as a modern masterpiece. 

Blanchard, a trailblazing artist with seven Grammy® Awards, two Academy Award® nominations, and numerous accolades for his jazz compositions and film scores, reached new artistic heights with this work. As the current Executive Artistic Director of SFJazz, Blanchard continues to redefine the boundaries of music. With Fire Shut Up in My Bones, he crafted a searingly emotional narrative, exploring the profound scars of Charles Blow’s childhood and his journey toward catharsis. At its heart, the story confronts the legacy of pain and the resilience required to move beyond it. 

Charles M. Blow’s memoir serves as the foundation for this operatic triumph. In his vivid and unflinching prose, Blow recounts his upbringing in rural Louisiana, marked by poverty, familial strife, and devastating abuse. His memoir captures the psychological and emotional turmoil of growing up Black and gay in the South, as well as his ultimate quest for self-discovery and healing. Through Kasi Lemmons’ evocative libretto and Blanchard’s rich musical composition, this adaptation honors the memoir’s raw intensity while imbuing it with new layers of depth and humanity. 

Now, audiences can experience the power of Fire Shut Up in My Bones in an exciting new format: a concert excerpt performed by Blanchard and his band, the E-Collective. Joined by the fearless Turtle Island String Quartet, dynamic vocalists Adrienne Danrich and Norman Garrett, and enhanced by mesmerizing visuals from Andrew F. Scott, this production offers an intimate yet electrifying rendition of the opera’s most compelling moments. The concert highlights Blanchard’s unparalleled ability to create a musical landscape that is both personal and universal, blending pathos, humanity, and resilience. 

This performance, which distills the emotional core of Blow’s memoir and the operatic masterpiece, invites audiences to reflect on the power of storytelling, the complexities of identity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. It’s a testament to Blanchard’s artistry and a celebration of the cultural milestones that redefine what opera—and music—can achieve. 

Terence Blanchard's Fire Shut Up In My Bones Ensamble

About the Artists and Contributors 

Terence Blanchard

A seven-time Grammy® Award-winning trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, Terence Blanchard has been a leading figure in contemporary jazz for decades. Beyond his acclaimed albums and performances, Blanchard is a trailblazer in film and opera, composing scores for Spike Lee films such as Malcolm X and BlacKkKlansman and creating genre-defying works that bridge jazz, classical, and storytelling. As the first African American composer to have an opera staged at the Metropolitan Opera, Blanchard redefined the boundaries of opera with Fire Shut Up in My Bones. His ability to infuse emotional depth and cultural resonance into his compositions has made him one of the most celebrated artists of our time. 

The E-Collective

Blanchard’s ensemble, The E-Collective, is known for its boundary-pushing exploration of jazz and fusion. Featuring some of the finest musicians in the industry, the group combines intricate harmonies, daring improvisation, and electrifying energy. Together, they bring Blanchard’s unique vision to life, creating an immersive and emotive experience for audiences. Their role in this concert adaptation showcases their versatility and the transformative power of jazz. 

Turtle Island String Quartet

Pioneers of the modern string quartet, the Turtle Island String Quartet seamlessly blends classical chamber music traditions with contemporary jazz, rock, and folk influences. With two Grammy® Awards to their name, the quartet is celebrated for their innovative approach to music-making, redefining what a string quartet can achieve. In Fire Shut Up in My Bones: Excerpts in Concert, they provide a lush and dynamic foundation, weaving between genres to amplify the narrative’s emotional depth. 

Adrienne Danrich and Norman Garrett 

Renowned soprano Adrienne Danrich and baritone Norman Garrett are distinguished for their powerful vocal performances and compelling stage presence. Danrich, known for her rich tone and emotive artistry, has captivated audiences worldwide with her operatic and concert work. Garrett, a rising star in the operatic world, brings depth and nuance to every role he inhabits. He has appeared at The Metropolitan Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago as the Foreman/Adult James in Fire Shut Up in My Bones. Together, their voices breathe life into the characters and themes of Fire Shut Up in My Bones, delivering unforgettable moments of both raw emotion and transcendence. 

Kasi Lemmons – Librettist

A celebrated filmmaker and writer, Kasi Lemmons is the creative force behind the libretto of Fire Shut Up in My Bones. Known for directing films such as Eve’s Bayou and Harriet, Lemmons brings her gift for storytelling to the operatic stage, transforming Charles M. Blow’s memoir into a poignant and powerful narrative. Her poetic and evocative libretto captures the complexity of Blow’s journey, blending introspection with moments of visceral intensity. 

Andrew F. Scott – Visual Artist

Andrew F. Scott is an acclaimed visual artist whose work explores identity, culture, and transformation through digital and traditional mediums. His visuals for Fire Shut Up in My Bones: Excerpts in Concert create a vibrant and immersive backdrop, enhancing the emotional and narrative depth of the performance. By blending evocative imagery with the music, Scott’s contributions invite audiences into the heart of the story, enriching the concert experience. 

This collective of world-class musicians and visionary contributors ensures that Fire Shut Up in My Bones: Excerpts in Concert is not just a performance, but a deeply moving journey through the human spirit. Together, they honor the legacy of the original work while reimagining it in a way that is both intimate and electrifying. 

Fire Shut Up in My Bones: Excerpts in Concert

January 21, 2025 / Presented by Purdue Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging and powered by Purdue Convocations

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