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.

The broadcast of this streaming performance will be presented as part of the Southern Museum of Flight’s 15th Annual Veterans Day Salute. The length of the broadcast performance is approximately 20 minutes. In addition to the performance, the Veterans Day Salute will also include a reception and a program featuring Dr. Brian J. Barsanti, executive director of the Southern Museum of Flight, who will speak on the history of Veterans Day in Birmingham; and Keith A. Wolfe-Hughes, general director of Opera Birmingham, who will speak on the creation of UNKNOWN.

Can’t make it to the Veterans Day Salute? Stream the video of UNKNOWN online, anytime November 11 - December 11, 2021! Register here!

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.

Masking for all attendees is recommended. All city and state guidelines and requirements related to COVID-19, in place at the time of the event, will be followed.

This production has been made possible, in part, by a generous contribution from Bradley, and 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. Additional support for UNKNOWN is provided by Ms. Nanci Chazen and Mr. and Mrs. C. Lee Reeves.