About this project
In contemporary American opera, new works are no longer an afterthought: They are its very heartbeat.
Our cultural, social, and demographic scenes are changing, and with them, the way we tell stories through music. NEW AMERICAN OPERA will explore influences from across the musical storytelling spectrum – opera, Broadway, alternative music-theater, etc.– that are contributing to the shift toward a new, uniquely American art form.
Champion, photo by Ken Howard
Champion, photo by Ken Howard
About this project
In contemporary American opera, new works are no longer an afterthought: They are its very heartbeat.
Our cultural, social, and demographic scenes are changing, and with them, the way we tell stories through music. NEW AMERICAN OPERA will explore influences from across the musical storytelling spectrum – opera, Broadway, alternative music-theater, etc.– that are contributing to the shift toward a new, uniquely American art form.
Telling the Story
To tell the story of the evolution and revolution in American opera and musical storytelling, renowned producer/director, Peter Rosen, will crisscross the nation, exploring the creation of new works at companies large and small at all stages of development – ideation, rehearsal, and full production.
Strategies
This documentary will expand awareness and interest in these new works, resulting in increased ticket sales by:
- Honoring and celebrating the efforts and achievements of the talented and dedicated creators.
- Educating the public about new American forms of opera and musical storytelling that may challenge their preconceptions and make them more inclined to buy tickets for new works that are unfamiliar.
- Helping producers become more confident in programming new works on their stages and streaming platforms.
The film will take you behind the scenes to meet the composers, librettists, directors, and producers who drive the creation of new work:
Jake Heggie
Tazewell Thompson
Kamala Sankaram
Kevin Puts
Mark Campbell
Lidiya Yankovskaya
Ricky Ian Gordon
Beth Morrison
Ryan Taylor
Ben Krywosz
And many others!
Projected Timeline & Distribution
We anticipate beginning production in 2025, with a completion date and distribution beginning in 2027.