Soldier Songs
Music and Libretto by David T. Little, based on and featuring interviews with: Justen Bennett (US Army), Amber Ferenz (US Army), Richard Girardin (US Marine Corps), Gene Little (US Army), Joseph W. Little (US Army), Eugene F. Woznicki (US Air Force)
Directed by and Starring Johnathan McCullough
Producer and Screenwriter James Darrah
Music Director Corrado Rovaris
Produced by Opera Philadelphia in association with FreshFly
In recognition of Veterans Day and the 20th anniversary of David T. Little’s groundbreaking opera Soldier Songs, the acclaimed film adaptation is available to stream on the Opera Philadelphia YouTube Channel.
Directed by and starring baritone Johnathan McCullough, the film explores the lasting human costs of war through the story of one composite soldier, traced across three stages of life: childhood, military service, and old age. Drawing on interviews with veterans of World War II, Vietnam, the Gulf Wars, and Afghanistan, Soldier Songs offers a powerful exploration of war, memory, and trauma.
Originally released in 2021 on the Opera Philadelphia Channel, the film received a 2022 GRAMMY® Award nomination for Best Opera Recording.
The film is followed by an in-depth panel discussion between David T. Little and Johnathan McCullough, moderated by Beth Morrison.
Please note, Soldier Songs contains strong language, strobe lighting, and themes and depictions of violence, military combat and PTSD.
Cast & Creative Team
- John Toia Producer
- Lewis Pesacov Producer, Music Mix and Sound Editing
- Anderson Nunnelly Associate Producer
- Chayne Gregg Consulting Producer
- David B. Devan Executive Producer
- David Levy Executive Producer
- Vic Carreno Editor
- Phil Bradshaw Director of Photography
- Millie Hiibel Costume Designer
- “Fre” Alfreda R. Howard Hair & Make-up
- Lisa Anderson First Assistant Director
- Jennifer Shaw Second Assistant Director
- Elizabeth Braden Assistant Conductor
- Grant Loehnig Head of Music Staff & Principal Pianist