YORK, THE EXPLORER, a new folk opera by Aaron Nigel Smith, tells the story of the only Black man who participated in the Corps of Discovery Expedition with Lewis & Clark. The recipient of the Creative Heights Grant from the Oregon Community Foundation, Aaron Nigel Smith will develop this new work in partnership with the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton, Oregon over the next two years. "I aim to amplify York as an enslaved Black man who persevered to do meaningful work for the entire country... and to explore and share the origin story, motivation, challenges, and triumphs of an unsung American hero." 

Currently seeking additional commissioning partners in Oregon, Washington and California.

COMMISSIONING PARTNERS