S12 E48: Delaware State of the Arts - OperaDelaware and Derrick Wang's FEARLESS

Delaware State of the Arts Podcast

What does it mean to be fearless? To be American? To pursue your dreams against all odds? These questions lie at the heart of "Fearless," a groundbreaking new opera by composer Derrick Wang that tells the extraordinary true story of Hazel Ying Lee, one of the few Chinese-American women to serve as a pilot during World War II.
Derrick Wang, known for his critically acclaimed opera "Scalia-Ginsburg" about the unlikely friendship between Supreme Court Justices, brings his unique creative voice to this remarkable story of courage and determination. Wang joins us alongside OperaDelaware's Kerriann Otaño to discuss the journey of creating this world premiere production, which opens May 16th in Wilmington.
The opera approaches Hazel's story through an innovative narrative lens, told from the perspective of her fictional younger sister Iris. This framing device allows audiences to experience Hazel's remarkable achievements through a deeply personal connection, humanizing a historical figure who defied expectations and broke barriers. As Wang explains, "Rather than minimize the challenges and twists and turns of her story to fit into a neat little package, I wondered what if the structure of this musical drama embraced the unexpected paths that Hazel took?"
For OperaDelaware, premiering "Fearless" represents their ongoing commitment to redefining what opera can be. As the 11th oldest opera company in America, they're challenging preconceptions about opera being intimidating or inaccessible. With "Fearless" sung entirely in English and featuring tuneful, melodic music that audiences can connect with immediately, the production creates a direct emotional impact while maintaining the artistic excellence opera lovers expect.
Beyond the performances (May 16th and 18th), OperaDelaware has organized special community events including a free preview at Market Street Music (May 1st) and a presentation at the Air Mobility Command Museum (May 4th) featuring discussions about the Women Airforce Service Pilots and their historical significance. These events reflect the company's dedication to making opera relevant and accessible to diverse audiences throughout Delaware.
Experience this powerful new American opera that celebrates courage, challenges expectations, and honors an unsung hero whose remarkable life reminds us all what it truly means to be fearless. Don't miss your chance to be part of this historic world premiere—visit operadelaware.org for tickets today!

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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov.

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

Chapters

1. Introduction to Opera Delaware and Derek Wang (00:00:00)

2. The Story Behind Hazel Ying Lee (00:01:39)

3. Opera Delaware's Journey with Fearless (00:02:36)

4. Balancing Music and Storytelling (00:04:51)

5. The Meaning of "Fearless" (00:08:26)

6. Representing Asian American Stories in Opera (00:10:18)

7. Opera Delaware's Mission and Community Engagement (00:14:57)

8. Upcoming Performances and Final Thoughts (00:19:50)