GiveBig2020

SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2020 | Special Advertising Section 1 R 14 Last fall, a group of former military service members made their Seattle Opera debut in “The Falling and the Rising,” a new opera con- ceived by the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus that tells a story of service, sacrifice and resilience. In addition to the 13-member veterans chorus, the produc- tion featured five professional singers and a small orchestra. Most of the veterans had little performance experience, but all have experienced some form of trauma. Joseph Riley, a Seattle native, was in the U.S. Air Force, but a diagnosis of bipolar disorder ended his military career. “The Air Force discharged me,” he said. His mental illness also made it hard to keep a steady job. “I worked construction from time to time. But when I wasn’t working I would fall into being homeless.” Mental illness, unemploy- ment, drug addiction, domes- tic abuse — these experiences are familiar to members of the chorus, and many veterans as well. Resilience is also part of their story, a trait they share with characters in “The Falling and the Rising.” The chorus members joined the produc- tion through a partnership with Path with Art, a local nonprofit that transforms the lives of people recovering from trauma by harnessing the power of creative engage- ment. Research shows that art engagement significantly improves the quality of life for people recovering from trauma. Joseph was eager to participate in the many weeks of rehearsal leading up to the perfor- mances at the Opera Center’s Tagney Jones Hall. “There’s a level of acceptance here, because of our shared past of military service,” he said. Seattle Opera has a long his- tory of working with other or- ganizations to engage commu- nities across Washington state. Once the current health crisis ends, the opera looks forward to future collaborations like the one with Path with Art. The music of resilience PROVIDED BY SEATTLE OPERA Seattle Opera’s partnership with Path with Art is one example of our commitment of bringing together voices, stories and artists to better our community. We collaborate with numerous schools, social organizations and public agencies to bring opera to our communities. Learn more about “The Falling and the Rising” at seattleopera.org/rise. This group of Seattle-area veterans made its Seattle Opera debut in “The Falling and the Rising” last fall.