By: Maria Williams

Access Opera, a New York-based creative production agency that is working to build connections between classical and popular culture, aims to explore a new wave of sound with Ezekiel’s Wheel. The unique concert is scheduled to debut on February 12th, 2025, in New York at the renowned Silver Lining Lounge by Tao Group Hospitality. Founded by John Burton, Access Opera aspires to be a hub of cultural growth and innovation. As he reflects, “I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel. I’m inspired by what has shaped cultural impact and finding ways to align it with opera, offering a fresh perspective on the art form to more people.”

Drawing from the rich musical history of East Coast hip-hop and the collaborators that brought the genre to prominence, Burton endeavors to make music more accessible through innovative experiences intertwining classical music with modern culture. Like the record label Def Jam’s influence on hip-hop’s rise in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Burton envisions Access Opera playing a role in expanding awareness of opera. “Even if Def Jam wasn’t the first hip-hop label, they helped build a phenomenon around the music. That’s what I’d like to strive for—productions that bring fresh ideas and broaden the cultural conversation,” he shares.

Inspired by the African American folk song ‘Ezekiel Saw the Wheel,’ which originated in the plantation complexes of the 1800s, Ezekiel’s Wheel seeks to create a dialogue between the refined traditions of opera and the profound roots of Black musical heritage. Moreover, the project reflects a reimagining of opera’s structure and a commitment to engaging a diverse community of classical artists. Access Opera collaborates with accomplished musicians from around the world to bring the Ezekiel’s Wheel experience to life.

Burton draws a parallel between the classical music world and the entertainment industry’s trailblazers. “My focus is on selecting the right arrangers, composers, and librettists. Like a music producer, we create and share with the world; it’s not inherently more sophisticated than that—the intricacy lies in the artistry of the music itself,” Burton notes.

The evening will feature collaborations between DJs, contemporary artists, and operatic singers, delivering an arrangement inspired by the grandeur of classical compositions like those of Faust while incorporating contemporary rhythms. The audience will experience a fusion of orchestral arrangements and operatic layering, presented not as a traditional performance but as a dynamic and immersive soundscape.

Access Opera hopes that Ezekiel’s Wheel will help identify shared ground between opera and contemporary music by emphasizing the expressive potential of the human voice. “People sometimes overlook that the voice is one of the purest musical instruments,” Burton highlights. “It’s not just about singing lyrics; the voice can be part of the orchestration, and we want to explore this concept to present a more versatile version of opera that resonates across genres.”

Classical music, Burton shares, has been a personal gateway to understanding cultures beyond his immediate environment. “I want to introduce young people, particularly in urban areas, to the broader world,” he says. “Classical music can be one avenue to expand horizons and foster a more global perspective.”

Access Opera’s mission is to explore the depth of classical music while incorporating modern cultural influences. Through immersive productions, Access Opera aims to make classical music more approachable and engaging for a wider audience. By rethinking traditional barriers often associated with the genre, Burton remarks, “We’re focusing on the human voice and creating opportunities for audiences to experience music in new ways. This could be the beginning of a more inclusive movement within the classical arts.”

Ezekiel’s Wheel is presented not only as a production but also as an initiative to reimagine how communities interact with music. By blending the splendor of opera with contemporary culture, Access Opera aims to expand its reach and create meaningful experiences for a diverse audience.

Published by Stephanie M.