Soldier Songs
Music & Libretto by David T. Little
GRAMMY® Nominee for Best Opera Recording
"Soldier Songs is a worthy addition to the far-too-slight catalog of opera presented in cinematic form"—The New York Times
Opera, rock, and film collide in David T. Little's exploration of the life of the Soldier. Based on interviews with veterans of five wars, the piece boldly examines the impact of trauma, the exploitation of innocence, and the difficulty of expressing war's painful truths.
In a new film made exclusively for the Opera Philadelphia Channel, baritone Johnathan McCullough directs and stars as the Soldier. Little's music and text cement his reputation as “one of the most imaginative young composers” working today (The New Yorker).
An Opera Philadelphia production in association with FreshFly.
Opera Philadelphia Channel
Dates are 2021 - 2023.
Available with a Season Pass or seven-day rental.
Approximately 1 hour
The Opera Philadelphia Channel has been made possible by the Disosway Foundation, Inc. and by Wyncote Foundation
Major support for Soldier Songs has been provided by Sarah and Brad Marshall
Maestro Corrado Rovaris’ engagement as the Jack Mulroney Music Director has been made possible by Mrs. John P. Mulroney
The Opera Philadelphia Orchestra is underwritten by Alice and Walter Strine, Esqs.
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
Soldier Songs Interviews
Composer & Librettist
David T. Little
David T. Little is “one of the most imaginative young composers” on the scene (The New Yorker), with “a knack for overturning musical conventions” (The New York Times). His operas Dog Days, JFK, and Vinkensport (librettos by Royce Vavrek), and Soldier Songs have been widely acclaimed, “prov[ing] beyond any doubt that opera has both a relevant present and a bright future” (The New York Times). Read more >>
Director & Screenwriter
Johnathan McCullough
Baritone Johnathan McCullough's production of David T. Little’s Soldier Songs marks his directorial and role debut. The film, made in collaboration with producer James Darrah and FreshFly, premieres on the Opera Philadelphia Channel January 22, 2021. He recently made his UK and West End debut singing Il Conte in a new production of Le nozze di Figaro directed by Joe Hill-Gibbons at English National Opera. Read more >>