This summer, the Newport Classical Music Festival welcomes soprano Karen Slack for a performance of “African Queens,” a new work that’s generating buzz in the classical music world.
Set for July 12, 2025, at 8 p.m., Slack will take the stage at The Breakers mansion. It’s one of the highlights of the festival’s 56th season, which takes place from July 4 to 22.
“African Queens” features eight new songs by composers including Jasmine Barnes, Damien Geter, and Jessie Montgomery. The pieces shed light on seven African queens, examining their dual roles as both rulers and warriors.
Newport Classical co-commissioned this program, which includes narrative text by writers like Lorene Cary and Tsitsi Ella Jaji. Pianist Kevin J. Miller will join Slack on stage.
The festival has a packed lineup with 29 concerts across 11 Newport venues, featuring over 100 artists. Other performers include pianists Alessio Bax and Lucille Chung, Broadway star Jessica Vosk, and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.
“African Queens” was made possible thanks to support from Suzanna and John Laramee, in memory of Toni D. Green.
Want to catch Karen Slack’s performance or check out other festival events? Head to www.newportclassical.org/music-festival for tickets and more information.