“Loksi' Shaali'" New Opera Premiere OPERA America Conference Delaware 2026

Dates & Times:

May 14, 2026 at 8:00 PM

May 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM.

Venue: Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, 719 N. Shipley St. Wilmington, DE 19801

Tickets: Tickets for the May 14th performance are available to Opera America Conference attendees through Opera America, and all other patrons may donate at the door for admission. Suggested donation is $20 per person.

Wilmington Concert Opera presents the Delaware Premiere of "Loksi' Shaali'" (Shell Shaker) by composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate. Music performed by the MIFA Victory Players. Conductor Tianhui Ng. Part of the 2026 OPERA America Conference in Wilmington, DE.

“Loksi' Shaali’” (Shell Shaker), a new opera, first to be sung and premiered entirely in a US tribal language. “Loksi' Shaali'” (Shell Shaker) tells the story of how the Chickasaw people received turtle shells for stomp dancing and ceremonies.

The MIFA Victory Players Music Director Tianhui Ng has been at the center of this opera in every production, first commissioning it, then conducting each performance.

Victory Players joining the performance:

Samuel Vargas Violin 1

Bree Fotheringham Violin 2

Justin Ouellet Viola

Linda Hwang Cello

Christine Davis Flute

Rob Rocheteau Percussion

Reese Revak Piano

This groundbreaking work was created by composer/librettist Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate, with Chickasaw translation by Joshua D. “Lokosh” Hinson. WCO will showcase highlights from the opera and will feature operatic singers of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Mvskoke, Pueblo of Acoma, Taíno, and Tiwa Nations and their heritages. 

Wilmington Concert Opera is an exclusively woman and minority-run company, founded on principles of diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility. WCO strives to serve the greater Wilmington, Delaware community by prioritizing the hiring of local musicians to provide high-level performance opportunities. Free performances in West Center City, adjacent to the economically disadvantaged Arts District, provide opportunities for the community to experience a family-friendly version of a traditionally expensive art form.