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American Apollo
DES MOINES METRO OPERA
THOMAS MCKELLER (COVER) / JULY 2022
With music by Damien Geter and a libretto by Lila Palmer, American Apollo is a new opera telling the story of the relationship between Thomas McKeller, a Black model who served as the inspiration and muse for the famous portraitist John Singer Sargent. The opera explores themes of erasure, the white gaze, and the true nature of the relationship between the two men. Mr. Bell covered the pivotal role of Thomas McKeller in the new and powerful 30-minute chamber opera.
Porgy and Bess
DES MOINES METRO OPERA
JIM + JAKE (COVER) / JULY 2022
Mr. Bell appeared as Jim in DMMO's company premiere of the "first American Opera," Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. Mr. Bell also covered the standout role of Jake in this historic production, directed by Tazewell Thompson in collaboration with production advisor Simon Estes, and conducted by Michael Ellis Ingram.
Beethoven 9
CAPE SYMPHONY
BASS SOLOIST / MAY 2022
Mr. Bell made his symphonic debut with Cape Symphony as the Bass Soloist in Beethoven's 9th: Ode to Joy. Under the baton of conductor Jung-Ho Pak and alongside fantastic soloists and the breathtaking ensemble, Chorus pro Musica, the program served as Cape Symphony's conclusion to its celebration of Beethoven's 250th.
Zorro
FORT WORTH OPERA
GOMEZ / JANUARY 2022
Mr. Bell debuted the role of Gomez to critical acclaim in the world premiere production of Héctor Armienta's Zorro. Texas Classical Review wrote: "Baritone Brandon Bell as Gomez — a role practically written to steal the show — was rib-tickling and robust. In his FWO debut, his comic timing and deft use of pantomime elevated the character and the entire production. It’s a certainty that he will be returning to the FWO stage in other roles before long."
SOS: Incarcerated Voices
WHITE SNAKE PROJECTS
SOLOIST / NOVEMBER 2021
Mr. Bell appeared as soloist, singing four world premiere pieces, in White Snake Projects' virtual concert Sing Out Strong: Incarcerated Voices. The concert featured new pieces commissioned by White Snake Projects, with texts by those either currently or previously facing incarceration. Mr. Bell premiered pieces by composers Iván Enrique Rodríguez, Del'Shawn Taylor, Jake Berran, and Johanny Navarro; the texts for these pieces were written by WM. Peeples, James Soto, Shareaf Fleming, and Dana P.R. Schultze.
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