The session, “Sacred in Opera Initiative: Simeon: A New Sacred Opera,” covered the process of writing the libretto for “Simeon”, a Christmas opera composed by the late Dwight Gustafson.
Burke’s co-presenter Darren Larson, dean at Bob Jones University, presented on directing the premiere production of “Simeon” in 2006.
The opera traces the story of aged candlemaker Simeon and his boy apprentice as they anticipate the coming of the Messiah. Burke and Lawson discussed the collaborative process in the creation of the work and shared video clips from the opera’s premiere.
Burke, who teaches public speaking classes at Greenville Technical College, views his experience in writing this opera as part of his ongoing craft as a playwright. Part of the faculty since 2011, he previously has written and produced both stage plays and screenplays.