The Finger Lakes Opera Festival is set to open its summer season with a compelling contemporary American opera, Glory Denied on July 19. This powerful production tells the story of Col. James Thompson, a war hero who spent nine years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi, and his challenging reintegration into a dramatically changed America.
The opera, composed by Tom Cipullo with a libretto by Tom Philpott, is based on Philpott’s book about Thompson, the longest-held American prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. The Finger Lakes Opera (FLO) chose this piece to commemorate America’s 250th birthday with a thoughtful exploration of the nation’s complex history.
The Story of Glory Denied
Glory Denied delves into the life of Col. James Thompson, who was captured in 1964 and held until 1973. The opera portrays his harrowing experiences as a POW and the profound impact of his absence on his wife, Alyce, and their four children. The story is told through four characters, representing the younger and older versions of Jim and Alyce.
Thompson’s return to America in 1973 was marked by a country that had turned against the Vietnam War. Returning soldiers faced hostility, and Thompson’s family had moved on, with Alyce remarrying to provide stability for their children. Despite his eventual recognition with honors like the Distinguished Service Medal in 1982 and the Prisoner of War Medal in 1988, Thompson struggled with emotional distress and alcoholism, ultimately passing away in 2002.
The Creative Vision Behind the Opera
Artistic director Stephanie Havey explains that FLO sought an American piece that would honor the nation’s history while acknowledging its complexities. Glory Denied fit perfectly, offering a nuanced look at the changes in the U.S. during the Vietnam War era.
Composer Tom Cipullo was drawn to the story after reading a review of Philpott’s book. He immediately contacted Philpott to collaborate, intrigued by the operatic potential of Thompson’s journey. Cipullo’s music for Glory Denied is noted for its emotional tension, blending jagged dissonance with nostalgic lyricism as characters recall the past.
The Cast and Performance
Baritone Ben Edquist takes on the demanding role of Jim Thompson. Edquist, a U.S. Air Force sergeant, has received high praise for his previous performances in Glory Denied. Despite his military commitments, he finds time to pursue his singing career, making this production his first full operatic role since joining the Air Force.
Edquist’s military experience adds depth to his portrayal of Thompson. He highlights the emotional range required for the role, particularly in a manic scene where Thompson reflects on the myriad changes in America during his absence. The complex score, with its intricate time signature changes, presents a challenge that Edquist embraces.
The Impact of Glory Denied
The opera has been widely praised for its emotional resonance and has been performed over 40 times since its 2007 premiere. Cipullo’s music, inspired by composers like Puccini and Frank Sinatra, captures the essence of Thompson’s story with both intensity and lyricism.
Havey hopes that the opera will foster empathy and understanding for all the characters, as well as for veterans. She notes that the characters’ actions, while sometimes difficult to defend, are rooted in the traumatic experiences they endured. Post-performance discussions with the Veteran’s Outreach Center will provide a platform for further reflection and dialogue.
The Finger Lakes Opera Festival’s summer season will also feature Happy End a satirical production with songs by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, and Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. These performances promise a diverse and engaging lineup for opera enthusiasts.
