Gay Boxer's Redemption

Emile Griffith (1938-2013) isn't a particularly well-known name to the general public, but the late boxer had an extraordinary tale to tell. Griffith, a gay African American man, lived with regret for a half-century after he accidentally killed Benny "the Kid" Paret, a homophobic boxing opponent. Paret died as a result of injuries he received in the ring. Griffith's tale is a reminder of how difficult it's been for LGBT people of color over the years.

"I kill a man, and most people understand and forgive me," Griffith said during his lifetime. "However, I love a man, and to so many people this is an unforgivable sin."

On February 19, SFJAZZ, in collaboration with Opera Parallele, brings Terence Blanchard's "Champion: An Opera in Jazz" to the stage. The production brings Griffith's story to life. It will run through February 28.

"Griffith was very sensitive, very loving and gentle," Nicole Paiement, conductor and artistic director for Opera Parallele, told the B.A.R. "We're trying to bring out his personality - we often think of boxers as being rough-and-tumble."

Paiement noted that Griffith was a trailblazer in that his homosexuality became known long before coming out was an option. In the sports world, she points out, things haven't changed as much as they have elsewhere. "It's still hard," she said. "It's still front-page news. When NBA executive Rick Welts came out five years ago, it made the front page of The New York Times."

Paiement said that a number of classical music styles would be heard in Champion, and that the show's singers were definitely up to the challenge. "They sing in whatever form is needed," she explained. "They all have trained voices. They understand blues, Caribbean, and jazz. They have the capacity to use their instruments in the style that's required for the specific moment in the story. We use their voices to paint the story."

The music will be equally varied. "There will be a jazz trio, piano, base and drums, backed by a full orchestra," Paiement said. "Terence Blanchard is a jazz composer, but he's also written for orchestra. I'm amazed by his ability to create melodies. He uses rhythm to convey the emotions of the music." Blanchard serves as Resident Artistic Director for SFJAZZ.

Griffith's story is indeed an emotional roller coaster. He was wracked with guilt for decades after Paret's death. Towards the end of his life, he met Paret's son and was told that he was forgiven.

Paiement pointed out that choreographer Joe Orrach should be given credit for helping to create what promises to be a unique experience for audiences. Orrach's varied resume includes acting, storytelling, tap dance, and yes, boxing.

"It's a rare occasion to see something that's so different," Paiement said. "Opera Parallele is a company that's trying to define what opera is - we want to make it relevant for the 21st Century. Opera can be very different from what it's been."

Champion: An Opera in Jazz plays SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St., SF, Feb. 19-21, 23-24, 26-28. Tickets ($30-$170): sfjazz.org