“...despite all the obvious drama and grab-you-by-the-lapels outpourings, the impact of ‘Champion’ is more mellow — earnestly, affably toe-tapping — than fierce or haunting. The opera shadowboxes without quite landing a punch.”
Read more

“Terence Blanchard’s ’Champion’ is a boxing opera, and his score keeps changing pace, bouncing lightly on the balls of its feet or pummeling a point when the plot demands it.”
Read more

“ ‘Champion,’ which had its premiere at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in 2013... is a propulsive and percussive score firmly rooted in the composer’s jazz idiom. The production has been expanded to fill the Met’s much larger stage, and the orchestra, under Yannick Nézet-Séguin, supplies some lush effects, but it’s the rhythm quartet, led by drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, that drives the evening.”
Read more

“Blanchard’s soul-stirring score captures both the excitement of live sports and Emile’s looming dread...Emile represents the majority of Americans, who spend their waking hours doing the thing that pays the bills, but not necessarily the thing they love.”
Read more

“ ‘Champion,’ while not providing a consistent musical experience, certainly packs an emotional and visual punch.”
Read more

“Although the opera felt like every minute of its three hours, the conductor’s execution and pacing were beyond reproach.”
Read more