Exploring Omar, was a free discussion series as part of the Spoleto Festival’s education and community engagement arm.The hourlong chats, held virtually via YouTube Live, expanded on the historical context and cultural significance of Omar, Spoleto’s upcoming world premiere opera written by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels and based on the life of Omar Ibn Said. Each discussion featured expert panelists and moderators in the fields of religion, education, culture, and the arts, creating connections between Omar and modern-day ideas. Exploring Omar events were free to attend and took place online.

January - May, 2021