New Opera West will be presenting 5 new mini-operas by different composers and librettists from all over the country, each with their own unique story to tell. From an opera about an environmentally conscious moose from the future, to the disastrous love life of Thomas Edison, these 5 operas will challenge preconceptions of what opera can be, redefining the medium for the 21st century.

After having an open call for composer/librettist submissions from all over the world, we are thrilled to announce the five mini-operas we will be presenting as part of our Fall “pop-up” opera series this November:

STEVE
BY RACHEL J. PETERS

In this comedic opera short, Ann attends her synagogue’s single mixer only to find that the lone man there is the reincarnation of her dearly departed mutt, Steve. Adapted from the play by Liz Bartucci.

THE MOOSE
BY JEREMY RAPAPORT-STEIN
A couple whose relationship is on the verge of collapsing go for a hike in the woods. While there, a Moose from the future travels back through time to warn them of an impending catastrophe caused by their actions.

A FRAGILE FILAMENT
MUSIC BY ROBERT COHEN, LIBRETTO BY HERSHEL GARFEIN
Edison, a great and often underrated American, whose inventions literally changed the world, reminiscences about the time he invented the electric light. “A Fragile Filament” shows both the spark of genius and the loneliness and regret just after the achievement.

RECOVERED
BY BEN STEVENSON
This opera examines how a small act can transform one person’s anger and anguish into recovery and acceptance. Both characters, Jenny and Mathew, are at a turning point in their lives, struggling to figure out what is next.

SHE’S FABULOUS
BY TONY SOLITRO
During intermission, two divas exchange critiques of the performance. Both had auditioned for the opera, but their dear friend (and greatest rival) landed the lead role. After a moment of polite hesitation, they unleash their uncensored opinions.

Principal Cast:

Maria Elena Altany, soprano
Maria Dominique Lopez, mezzo-soprano
Emily Thebaut, mezzo-soprano
Edmond Rodriguez, tenor
Jon Lee Kennan, tenor
Joseph Dhanens, baritone

Luis Reyes, piano
Younghwa Ha, piano

Mark Lanz Weiser, conductor
Nicolas Lell Benavides, conductor

Victoria Pealman, Director
Christopher Halden, Director

About us:

New Opera West (NOW) is a fiscally sponsored non-profit organization that seeks to promote the growth and professional development of composers, librettists and performers in the creation of new opera. By performing works that explore timely themes and stories that feature opportunities for diverse artists, we strive to not only attract new opera audiences but also work towards the sustainability of opera in the 21st century.