Upcoming

Walt Whitman may be most famous for his thought-provoking poetry in Leaves of Grass. But he devoted much of his time to help with wounded and dying soldiers during the Civil War. Poems that focus on life, death, love, and war were selected to create this collection of 16 of Whitman’s poems. Look forward to a memorial event this Veteran’s Day featuring Whitman’s poetry set to music by Waundell Saavedra.

Song Leaves

Historical black and white photo depicting Civil War soldiers, some lying on the ground wounded or dead, around a horse-drawn ambulance with soldiers and horses nearby, likely during the American Civil War.

An “ambulance” from the Civil War.

Poems like ‘Look Down Fair Moon’ reflect death on the battle field, while ‘To You’ is an invitation to friendship. Whitman’s words encompass the span of a life giving a fuller understanding of what it means to be human.

While Song Leaves was written for the bass voice and piano, other low voices will be featured on an upcoming program including a bass-baritone and a contralto, both fitting for the depth in voice for which the music calls.

A recital and live recording is in the works for Veteran’s Day 2025. More info will be added.

A promotional poster for a music collection titled "Song Leaves" featuring a sepia-toned sketch of a man in a hat and casual clothing, surrounded by green leaves, with text about the collection of poems by Walt Whitman composed for bass voice and piano.

Raped: The Story of a Slave Named Celia

An opera in 3 acts. Music and libretto by Waundell Saavedra

Black and white photo of a woman with short hair, wearing a hoodie and a cape, seated with her arms crossed.

This image is believed to be the only photograph of Celia.

A most tragic story of a teenager put on trial and executed for murdering the man that had been raping her for 5 years.

In 1850, Robert Newsom went to Audrain County, Missouri and purchased Celia when she was only 14 years old. She was meant to cook for the family as well as “serve” him in other capacities. He would rape her for the next 5 years as she bore him 2 children. She was pregnant with a third when she decided to tolerate no more.

There are twists and turns to this true story as it was hard to believe she acted alone being pregnant and sick and being of small stature.

This tragedy is one of many in 19th century America. The gripping story and Saavedra’s captivating music is sure to make Raped a staple opera for years to come.

Your tax-deductible gift will help make this monumental work come to fruition. Visit our Donate page for information on how to give.

Sweet Dreams and
The Great Supper

Colorful illustrated poster advertising the opera "The Great Supper" by Waundell Saavedra. It features a castle on a green hill, a bright sun in the sky, and a moon with a hat against a starry night. The event is scheduled for Sunday, July 25, at 4 pm at the Church for all Nations, 417 W. 57th St., New York.
Poster for the children's bedtime opera 'Sweet Dreams' by Waundell Saavedra, featuring details about the event, performers, and schedule, with moon and star graphics, a house, and an old-fashioned wagon wheel.

The Great Supper premiered with piano in 2010 in Manhattan. This delightful classical-styled opera in two acts was adapted from the biblical parable of The Great Supper.

It is now being orchestrated and animated. Your donations will help achieve this goal.

Sweet Dreams is a children’s bedtime vocalise opera (whew! All in one!)

It premiered in 2012 at Opera America in Manhattan and was the first performance in their new performance space.

The concept, music, and libretto was created by Artistic Director, Waundell Saavedra.

It is now being animated.