Jubilant Sykes to Star in Hartford Stage Production of Beaty's Breath & Imagination

Internationally-celebrated classical and gospel vocalist Jubilant Sykes, Broadway veteran Kecia Lewis-Evans, and two-time Tony Award nominee Bob Stillman will star in the world premiere of Daniel Beaty's Breath & Imagination - The Story of Roland Hayes, directed by Darko Tresnjak, Jan. 11-Feb. 3.

A classically-trained American baritone, Jubilant Sykes will portray Hayes, considered to be the first African-American male concert artist to garner wide international acclaim. Californian Sykes' career includes acclaim in classical, pop, and gospel music (Sacred Music USA's Vocalist of the Year). He performed the role of Celebrant in the 2009 Grammy Award-nominated recording of Leonard Bernstein's Mass, in addition to soloing on tour with orchestras, such as The Boston Pops and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Sykes' career includes recordings with classical guitarist Christopher Parkening; jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard; and classical conductors Lorin Maazel, Christoph Eschenbach, and Marin Alsop. 

He has appeared at the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, London's Barbican Centre, Apollo Theater, Hollywood Bowl, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, among many others.

Tickets for Breath & Imagination - The Story of Roland Hayes are available by calling the Hartford Stage box office at 860-527-5151 or by visiting www.hartfordstage.org.