Seymour Barab; a Leading Light of 20th-Century Opera

Most lovers of contemporary opera are familiar with the works of Seymour Barab, who is best known for the fairy-tale operas he composed for young audiences, such as Little Red Riding Hood and Chanticleer. This website is dedicated to the life and times of this gifted composer to introduce his music to a new generation of opera lovers.

A Musical Prodigy

Descended from Polish immigrants, Barab was born in 1921 in Chicago, Illinois, where he mastered the piano by the age of 13. Shortly after that, he also learned the cello, which allowed him to land a job as a cellist in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

By the mid-1950s, Barab began composing his own musical works, including his first opera, Chanticleer, which opened to rave reviews in 1956. One year later, his second operatic work, A Game of Chance, was received equally well by critics and audiences alike.

Barab went on to compose several more operas throughout his life, including his best-known work, Little Red Riding Hood, which premiered in 1962. Following a long and successful musical career, he passed away in 2007 at the age of 93.

An Icon of 20th-Century Opera

Seymour Barab and his artistic contributions left an indelible mark on the world of contemporary opera. This website seeks to pay tribute to this remarkable composer and his many outstanding musical works.

Here, readers will find a range of fascinating biographical information on Barab, along with insightful commentary on all of his most beloved operas and songs.