It's the latest of the 71 new productions, including Cruzar La Cara de la Luna/To Cross the Face of the Moon (2010), the first mariachi opera Jake Heggie’s Three Decembers (2008) and John Adams’ Nixon in China (1987), that the HGO has launched in it's more than 66 years. The Snowy Day has now become the first HGO mainstage commissioned by a Black composer and librettist team.
Its main character, Peter, would star in several more Keats books. The Snowy Day would go on to win the Caldecott Medal in 1963 and be beloved by generations of readers. Keats wasn’t attempting to revolutionize children’s literature, but he did see that books should be a place where all children can see themselves. While children of color had appeared in children's books prior to Keats’ classic, they were often stereotypical portrayals, as in 1899’s Little Black Sambo or in supporting roles, as with the 1950s’ The Swimming Hole. It's the story of a little boy named Peter who heads out into the snow to explore the city around him, the book was notable for featuring an African-American character in a prominent role. With music by Joel Thompson and a libretto with Andrea Davis Pinkney, the opera is based on the 1962 children’s book by Ezra Jack Keats. Their latest opera, The Snowy Day, opened December 9 and runs through December 19. When it comes to world premieres, few in Houston can match the depth and breadth of the Houston Grand Opera.
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