SOLDIERS NEVER DIE UNTIL THEY ARE FORGOTTEN. TOMB GUARDS NEVER FORGET.

UNKNOWN is a dramatic song cycle commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, examining its significance in the American story and those who have been affected by it.  This collection of songs by composer Shawn E. Okpebholo will reflect not only the soldiers buried within and the Guards who keep watch, but also those soldiers left behind, visitors and family members, and others whose lives have been touched by the Tomb.

UNKNOWN is commissioned by UrbanArias in partnership with Opera Birmingham, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, Opera Colorado, Minnesota Opera, and Dallas Opera. Additional support for the commission is provided by Lt. Col. Stephen E. Bird (Ret.) and Dorothy P. Bird of Denver, Co.

Our season has been made possible, in part, by grants from Alabama State Council on the Arts, The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, The Daniel Foundation of Alabama, Hugh Kaul Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts, and by support from Alabama Media Group.