Libretti
Livia Holds the Lantern, a one-act opera with music by Michael Oberhauser. Livia, a sorcerer, is enslaved in the household of Claudia Flava in Pompeii. Known for her connection to the household gods, or lares, Livia makes spells and charms for Claudia’s wealthy friends. Livia and her husband Cyrus long to be free, but Claudia sees no reason to give them their liberty. When a young woman possessed by the gods comes to Livia, though, all of their lives are thrown into turmoil.
Waters Rising, a one-act opera a with music by Tim Hinck, commissioned by Arts Capacity for Walker State Prison. In the aftermath of a major storm, a man is challenged to consider the lives of others when he tries to escape deadly floodwaters.
Sense of Self, a chamber opera with music by composer Lisa Neher.
Composed for two high voices, Sense of Self explores an athlete’s relationship with her body, her ambitions, and her plans after receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer. Premiered by Opera Elect. Read the libretto here.
Woman Waits with Sword, a micro-opera with music by Lisa Neher about Alberte-Barbe D’ernécourt, Madame de Saint-Baslemont, who posed as a man to duel with an intruder in her home during the Hundred Years’ War. Written for Margaret O’Connell.
Par for the Course, a micro-opera for solo soprano with music by composer Lisa Neher, for Rhymes with Opera‘s summer 2020 season. Par for the Course gives voice to super-athlete Babe Didrikson as she seeks to play in the men-only U.S. Open golf tournament.
Wide Awake in the New City, a micro-opera with music by Lisa Neher about moving and starting a new job during the Covid-19 pandemic. Written for Hugo Vera.
Now Available, a micro-opera with music by Lisa Neher about a musician’s struggle with work and drive during the Covid-19 pandemic. Written for Zach Finkelstein.
Protectress, a full opera with music by Jessica Rudman, based on Leonard’s novella of the same name. A new and modern take on the legend of Medusa, about trauma, toxic cultures, allyship, and compassion. In progress as part of an American Opera Project initiative.
The Harbingers, an a cappella opera with music by composer Rosśa Crean. The Harbingers was premiered in Chicago on 31 October 2019. After her death, a woman finds herself on the shores of the afterlife, where the gods of death from various cultures compete to win her soul for their underworlds. When the Fates are called to arbitrate their dispute, however, it becomes apparent that the soul in question is more complicated than any of the gods originally believed, and everyone involved must weigh in on the natures of life and death, mercy and murder. Watch the premiere.
Marie Curie Learns to Swim, a chamber opera with music by composer Jessica Rudman.
Hailed as “striking,” “expressive,” “emotive,” and “well-crafted,” Marie Curie Learns to Swim, a new opera by composer Jessica Rudman with a libretto by Kendra Preston Leonard, was performed as a one-act opera on 28 April 2018 by the Hartford Opera Theater, as part of Speaking Her Truth, an evening of music by Rudman. Focused on the most important moments of the scientist’s groundbreaking career, Marie Curie Learns to Swim is composed for chamber orchestra and four singers: a soprano (Irène Curie), two mezzo-sopranos (Old Marie Curie and Young Marie Curie), and a baritone (Pierre Curie).
Rudman and Leonard are currently expanding the opera into two acts, and are seeking interested companies or consortiums for future performances. If you would like to view perusal materials, please contact Jessica Rudman.
Tobermory, an opera based on the short story by Saki with music by Edward Caine.
In progress. If your house cat learned to speak, what secrets would he reveal?
