LIVE PERFORMANCE WITH AMERICAN MODERN OPERA COMPANY (AMOC*) AND THE TRUTH

Experience a live performance by American Modern Opera Company (AMOC*) including Davóne Tines and The Truth, atop of “Living Room: Orlean, Virginia”— Tines’s installation with Hugh Hayden and Zack Winokur for Making Home—Smithsonian Design Triennial.

Please note: This event is free with admission, and is standing room only—capacity is strictly first come first served.

Performers

Black and white logo spelling A M O C with an asterisk at the end.American Modern Opera Company (AMOC*) is broadly recognized as one of the most consequential companies, producing and presenting some of the most significant interdisciplinary art. Founded in 2017 by composer Matthew Aucoin and director, choreographer, and dancer Zack Winokur, AMOC* was established with the mission of building and sharing a body of collaborative work. The company is comprised of 17 of today’s most sought-after composers, choreographers, directors, vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, writers, and producers, all united by a commitment to collective authorship and long-term, generative relationships with other creators. AMOC* connects artists and audiences in visceral and surprising ways.

Portrait photo of John Bitoy with earring and hand at side of face against a red background.John Bitoy is a versatile composer, pianist, and artistic director from Chicago, Illinois. John’s work as an artist and producer is multi-disciplinary and spans genres from jazz to classical, drawing inspiration from diverse global traditions. John earned his Master’s degree in Piano Performance from DePaul University and he acts as artistic director of The Second Floor, a black-owned performance and event space on the West Side of Chicago. John’s focus as an artist and organizer is on bringing sounds and stories of black resistance from the African Diaspora to audiences at home and internationally.

Portrait photo of Khari Lucas with long hair and green scarf.Khari Lucas is a composer and songwriter from Charleston, SC. His work explores various themes across the traditions of black musical and artistic expression.

 

 

Portrait photo of a Davone Tines with pearl earring and white collard shirt looking to the side.Davóne Tines is a pathbreaking artist whose work encompasses a diverse repertoire, ranging from early music to new commissions by leading composers, while exploring the social issues of today. A creator, curator, and performer at the intersection of many histories, cultures, and aesthetics, he is engaged in work that blends opera, art song, spirituals, contemporary classical, gospel, and protest songs as a means to tell a deeply personal story of perseverance connecting to all of humanity. Tines is an artist who takes full agency of his work, often devising new programs and pieces from conception to performance. He has premiered numerous operas by today’s leading composers, including John Adams, Terence Blanchard, and Matthew Aucoin; and his concert appearances include performances of works ranging from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony to Kaija Saariaho’s True Fire. He recently made his Metropolitan Opera debut performing in John Adams’ El Niño. His first studio album, ROBESOИ, released on Nonesuch Records on September 13, 2024, explores his connection to legendary American baritone Paul Robeson, reimagining some of the music Robeson famously sang.

Accessibility & What to Expect:  

  • Format: This is a live musical performance.
  • About the space: This performance will take place in Cooper Hewitt’s gallery space on the first floor of the museum. It is fully wheelchair accessible. Space is limited, first come first served and standing room only. There is an accessible restroom on the ground floor. Read more about about accessibility at Cooper Hewitt.
  • Accommodations: If we can provide any accessibility services to support your participation, email us at CHEducation@si.edu or let us know when you register. Please make your request as far in advance as possible.
  • Recording: This performance will not be recorded.

Support 

Making Home—Smithsonian Design Triennial is presented in collaboration with Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. This project received federal support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative Pool, administered by the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum; the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the National Museum of the American Latino; the Asian Pacific American Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center; and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Generous support is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation and the Terra Foundation for American Art.

Support is also provided by the Lily Auchincloss Foundation; Edward and Helen Hintz; re:arc institute; the Keith Haring Foundation; the Lemberg Foundation; Maharam; and the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts.

 

Image: Nikola Bradonjic Photography © The Smithsonian Institution.