This week, take a nostalgic journey through Tulsa Opera’s rich history as we spotlight The Tulsa Opera Chronicles, a book co-authored by Laven Sowell and Jack A. Williams, two pivotal figures in our company’s story. This book is more than just a collection of facts; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven with the personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs that have defined Tulsa Opera over the years.
Laven Sowell was a cornerstone of Tulsa’s musical community. Born in 1933 in Wewoka, Oklahoma, Sowell’s love for music took him from Oklahoma City to New York City, where he studied under some of the most revered names in the field. His career as a baritone brought him to stages across the United States, but it was his role as Chorus Master for Tulsa Opera from 1962 to 1994 that left an indelible mark. Sowell was a mentor, a teacher, and a force of nature who inspired generations of singers in Tulsa and beyond. His contributions were recognized with the Governor’s Arts Award in 1991, underscoring his profound impact on the arts in Oklahoma.
Jack A. Williams was a dedicated and passionate member of the Tulsa Opera community whose love for music extended well beyond his professional career as a geochemist. His journey with Tulsa Opera began in 1961 when he joined the backstage chorus for Cavalleria Rusticana, quickly moving to the stage in the 1962 production of The Barber of Seville. Over the years, Williams performed 13 different comprimario roles and participated in nearly 60 productions with the company. Williams’s dedication to preserving and sharing the history of Tulsa Opera culminated in his collaboration with Sowell on The Tulsa Opera Chronicles.
For those who are eager to explore the history of Tulsa Opera, The Tulsa Opera Chronicles is available at our Laven Sowell Music Library. We invite you to stop by Monday-Friday between 10 am-12 pm or 1 pm-4 pm, leaf through its pages, and immerse yourself in the stories that have shaped our company’s journey. As we look forward to new productions and experiences, it’s important to remember and honor the foundation upon which our current successes are built.
Continue to be a part of Tulsa Opera’s journey by purchasing a subscription or single tickets to our 2024-25 season, featuring a constellation of international, emerging, and local opera stars. Tickets are available online here or by calling the Tulsa Opera ticket office M-F from 9 am-5 pm at 918.582.3133.