Ed Littlefield: composer of “Ḵutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles,” the world's first Lingít language opera

Send us Fan MailEd Littlefield is the composer of  “Ḵutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles”—the world’s first Lingít opera premiering tonight at Thunder Mountain Middle School in Juneau.  This opera was born of an idea from Sealaska Heritage Institute President, Dr. Rosita Ḵaaháni Worl, with a libretto by Vera Starbard, orchestrations by Rory Stitt, directed by Madeline Sayet, and translations by X’unei Lance Twitchell. The opera's score is grounded in Tlingit musical and performing arts traditions that our guest has been immersed in since his childhood in Sitka. Ed Littlefield is a freelance percussionist, educator, and composer based out of Seattle, WA. He is Lingít and has released three albums featuring traditional native melodies. Although he has been composing music since his youth, this is his first opera.The show runs from September 11 - 20, 2026 in Juneau. Buy tickets here.Read KTOO's: "Why we are using ‘Lingít’ instead of ‘Tlingit.’