woman.life.song, personally commissioned by Jessye Norman in the 1990s, has been a showstopper for eminent Black sopranos for over two decades. Norman engaged three legendary writers – Maya Angelou, Clarissa Pinkola-Estes and Toni Morrison – and acclaimed British composer Judith Weir. Sitting behind the glittering celebrity is a simple and compelling universal story about a life from birth to youth, to old age to death. Premiered at Carnegie Hall, New York in 2000, we give the piece its own special Birmingham treatment in 2024.  

Leading us on the journey are BOC associate lead artists Gweneth Ann Rand and Allyson Devenish. We’re delighted that in her 70th birthday year, Judith Weir is supporting our ambition to share the treasures of woman.life.song. 

Further development and performances coming up in 2024, check back here for more details in due course. 

Image shows lead artists, singers and volunteers exploring woman.life.song in The Opera Lab at New Street Station, October 2023. Photo: Adam Fradgley.