SAN DIEGO – San Diego Opera will be presenting David T. Little’s opera Soldier Songs in November (opens Nov. 11 on Veterans Day for three performances as part of the Shiley dētour Series). This important contemporary opera explores the cost of war on the psyche of the individual soldier and is the inaugural performance of the Company’s Shiley dētour Series. With lyrics taken directly with interviews from veterans of five different conflicts, the opera begins with the sentiment “I never talk about this” and ends with to a plea to “talk.” To encourage our community to talk about important issues such as soldier morale and welfare, post-traumatic stress, and personal sacrifice, San Diego Opera is partnering with multiple organizations whose messages the Company will help promote during Soldier Songs. The organizations are The Wounded Marine Fund, The Three Wise Men Veterans Foundation, USO San Diego, and others including The Rosie Network, SEAL Future Fund, SEAL Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation, and One More Wave.
“When coming up with programming for our new Shiley dētour Series, we wanted to explore works that are outside of the traditional definition of opera, yet speak directly to the unique experiences of our community,” shares San Diego Opera General Director, David Bennett. “With San Diego’s long military history, Soldier Songs seemed like a perfect place to begin. This is an opera that does not take sides, but instead explores the cost of war to those who fight and those who are left at home. We also wanted to use our production of Soldier Songs bring awareness to some of the wonderful organizations in San Diego that provide invaluable services to our veterans and active duty soldiers.”
The Wounded Marine Fund is a local organization that helps combat-wounded Marines who have lost limbs returning from the “War on Terror.” The organization provides financial aid in the form of trusts. The funds from these trusts are available to the beneficiaries for any purpose that will help our heroes regain their independence. These funded trusts earn interest and are available to the beneficiaries throughout their lifetime or until the funds are depleted.
“The Wounded Marine Fund was born out of the request from my youngest son, Michael, who lost his legs to an IED in Afghanistan,” shares Tweed Fox, founder of The Wounded Marine Fund. “From his wheelchair at the Balboa Naval Hospital he asked me if we could do something to help his brothers – other Combat Wounded Marine Amputees. In that moment the Wounded Marine Fund was born. We are currently an all-volunteer organization that provides grants to combat wounded marine amputees to help them regain their independence.”
The Three Wise Men Veterans Foundation is named in honor of Jeremy Wise, Ben Wise and Beau Wise. The organization stands with veterans who survived combat to ensure they not only survive but thrive in the peace that follows. The Three Wise Men Veterans Foundation advocates for public policy to ensure the commitment made to our veterans is honored. They raise awareness of the problems our veterans face and directly tackle the stigma associated with post-traumatic stress by helping soldiers connect with needed services. Additionally, they build alliances and partnerships with other veteran non-profits to help address the problems of employment, housing, and education.
Nathan Fletcher, Marine Corps combat veteran and Founder/Chairman of the Three Wise Men Veterans Foundation said, “This opera tells a powerful and impactful story that veterans and all Americans need to hear. The only difference between mental health injuries and physical injuries is the stigma that exists in our society. We break down that stigma by confronting it, talking about it and embracing those who have been affected. We are honored to be joining forces with the San Diego Opera in this important effort.”
USO San Diego is the premier USO Chartered Center in the United States providing morale, recreation, entertainment services and a home away from home to Active Duty, Reserve, Guard and military families stationed locally or transiting through San Diego. Through their mission, USO San Diego strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.
”On behalf of USO San Diego, we offer our deepest appreciation to the San Diego Opera. The Opera’s Soldier Songs has true significance for our military service members and families here in San Diego. We’re honored to be one of the distinguished recipients who benefit from this wonderful opera,” shares Arne Nelson, CEO of USO San Diego and Captain, United States Navy (Retired). “USO San Diego is proud and honored to be part of an organization that strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation. USO San Diego has been a part of the organization since its inception in 1941. Today, USO San Diego is a premier USO Chartered Center providing morale and support services, as well as a home away from home for all members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.”
To provide the community access and accessibility to this important opera, and to foster dialogue within our community about the issues surrounding it, the Saturday, Nov. 12 performance of Soldier Songs will be aired live on television. Airing on KPBS TV at 7 PM, this 55-minute piece can be seen in San Diego County on Cable 11, Cox 1011, Time Warner 15-1, and channel 15 (UHF digital channel 30). This broadcast will mark the first live televised broadcast of an opera production in the Company’s history and continues the partnership between San Diego Opera and KPBS, which for many years has broadcasted delayed opera performances on radio. This season, only Soldier Songs will be televised live. All other operas in the Company’s mainstage season and in the Shiley dētour Series will have a radio broadcast.
“San Diego Opera has a long history broadcasting our operas on radio with KPBS, so airing Soldier Songs live on television seems a natural progression. Opera is more than just a music and words, it also includes fine acting, beautiful sets, and visual effects; it’s a feast for the all of the senses, especially this bold production. While nothing can ever replace the experience of attending theater live, watching it live on television is the next best thing,” shares David Bennett. “Considering the importance of this opera and the service to the community KPBS provides, we’re incredibly excited about this evolution of our relationship. It’s also a wonderful way for us to showcase the generous support of Darlene Shiley, who is underwriting our new dētour series.”
In conjunction with these partnerships and to further the dialogue around these important issues, San Diego Opera has also created soldiersongs.sdopera.org. At this website, active duty, veterans, and family members of those who have served or are currently serving can post tributes to family members, loved ones, and other who have mentored and inspired them in life and in service. By creating this website, San Diego Opera hopes to bring attention to the soldier songs in our own community and honor our neighbors who have served. The site soldiersongs.sdopera.org will also provide links and information to access much needed resources to soldiers, veterans and their families. Additionally, the community can thank the military community by purchasing a ticket for an active duty military member or a veteran.
