ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a description of opera as an art form and provides background on opera’s history and longevity. The chapter then discusses the role of race on the opera stage in two contexts. First, it describes Black and other ethnic characters in the plots of some operas. It then notes the success of some African American singers on the opera stage and the challenges others continue to face pursuing careers in opera. Finally, the chapter describes some operas composed by African Americans and the issues that opera must confront to remain relevant in a changing world.
