Work of the Week – Gregory Spears: Fellow Travelers

By Christopher Peter
23 Mar 2025

A stylized portrait of composer Gregory Spears. He stands with his arms crossed against a blurred background of a classical theater with curtains and balconies. The image has a soft greenish tint.

Gregory Spears’ opera Fellow Travelers will be presented in March 2025 in a production by University College Opera (UCOpera). The performances on March 28 and 29 at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London mark the first European staging of this modern operatic masterpiece. It will be performed as a European premiere semi-professional production with professional soloists and a student orchestra.

A Love Story in an Era of Persecution

Based on Thomas Mallon’s novel, Fellow Travelers tells a moving story of forbidden love between two men in 1950s Washington, D.C. Against the backdrop of McCarthy-era paranoia and the Lavender Scare, a wave of persecution targeting gay government employees, Timothy Laughlin, a young Catholic idealist, falls for Hawkins “Hawk” Fuller, a charismatic State Department official. Their relationship unfolds under constant fear of exposure, leading to a gripping tale of passion, betrayal, and political oppression.

Minimalist Elegance and Emotional Depth

Gregory Spears’ music blends minimalist textures with lyrical vocal lines and a delicate harmonic language. His vocal writing follows the natural rhythm of speech, giving the libretto a striking immediacy. The chamber orchestra adds intimacy, reinforcing the opera’s balance between tenderness and underlying tension.

A Modern Opera with Lasting Impact

Since its 2016 premiere in Cincinnati, Fellow Travelers has been widely performed across the U.S. and acclaimed as one of the most compelling new American operas. Critics praise its seamless fusion of personal drama and historical significance. With its upcoming London premiere, the opera continues its international rise – a landmark moment for contemporary opera.

We Want to Hear from You!

Have you seen or heard Fellow Travelers? What do you think of its mix of personal romance and political intrigue? Share your thoughts with us – we’d love to hear your perspective!