Brian Arreola, assistant professor of voice in the Department of Music, recently completed a successful engagement in “Champion,” a new production for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis.
Arreola was selected to create the role of Luis in the opera following a national audition in New York City this past October. Grammy Award-winning jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard composed the opera, which is based on the true story of world welterweight champion Emile Griffith, who killed boxer Benny Paret in a match in 1962.
The opera takes place in 10 scenes, some are flashbacks and others are present-day. In scenes from the past, Emile Griffith’s mother was played by renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves. Arreola sang the role of Luis Rodrigo Griffith, Emile Griffith’s adopted son, who, in the opera and in real life, cares for the boxer.
Arreola received positive notices in numerous reviews. “Opera Today” wrote, “Brian Arreola’s lean, well-schooled tenor and his impassioned way with several high-flying phrases were perfectly matched to the role of the sympathetic care-giver Luis.”
“Champion” was the 23rd world premiere by the acclaimed Opera Theatre of St. Louis; it was reviewed widely by leading national publications, including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune and the Wall Street Journal.