Mixing beatboxing with opera, acclaimed composer redefines genre | University of Chicago News

With an abundant imagination for sound and music, Prof. Augusta Read Thomas unfolds fresh sonic perspectives and a personal artistic voice in soaring pieces played around the world-all while shaping the field of classical composition at the University of Chicago. Now, the Grammy-winning composer renowned for her masterful use of instrumental color has created a new opera that features acclaimed beatboxer Nicole Paris, accompanied by a youth choir and chamber ensemble. The original work Sweet Potato Kicks the Sun will debut Oct. 26 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is the second opera Thomas has composed in close collaboration with librettist Leslie Dunton-Downer. "This is art without prototype that expands the definition of opera," said Thomas, the University Professor of Composition in the Department of Music and the College. "This opera can help to transform the genre. With all these different sounds and artists, voices and musicians and percussion, you can really sculpt a gorgeous sonic envelope." In the story of Sweet Potato Kicks the Sun , a famous performer-in this production, a beatboxer-is scheduled to begin a solo show and is alarmed to discover that an opera is about to start on the same stage.