Programs

Over fifty operas and music-theater works have been presented in complete productions, workshops or readings including over fifteen world premieres.

Productions

Vera of Las Vegas by Daron Hagen & Paul Muldoon (World Premiere 2003)

As the name implies, these are full scale productions with orchestra presented at venues such as Symphony Space. Depending upon our budget and artistic requirements, we strive to stage at least one production a year. Very often, these productions will have benefited through our Atelier program.

Ateliers

Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde

These are the heart and sole of Center for Contemporary Opera. Works are presented in a non-critical environment in an intimate venue such as the cell theater in Chelsea. For the first time, a composer will hear his work performed by professional singers and will be able to make changes to the work as needed. Ateliers are minimally staged and directed and are accompanied with piano. The singers are “on book”. The music director typically conducts from the piano. Following the atelier, the audience is invited to a wine reception to meet the composer and discuss the work with him or her as well as meet the cast and other audience members to engage in lively discourse. Recent ateliers have included Ben Yarmolinsky’s Clarence and Anita, Barry O’ Neal’s Jekyll and Hyde, Randall Eng’s Henry’s Wife, and Robert Sahl’s Dinner and Delusions.

Prima la Parole

First, the words. Just as our ateliers assist composers in the development of their works, our Prima le Parole series assist librettists in the development of their work. Using professional actors and director, libretti are presented much in the same way as a play would be performed. The librettist is able to hear their work and modify if necessary. CCO also plays matchmaker in the process and invites the composer community to the reading. Often a libretto will catch a composer’s interest and vice versa. As with the atelier series, a wine reception and engaging conversation follows. Recent  readings include Matthew Harris’ and Annie Pasqua’s versions of Tess d’Uberville and Carol Gilligan’s Pearl.

Colloquia & Lectures

These serve as the intellectual arm of Center for Contemporary Opera. Distinguished composers, critics, directors, and authors are invited to discuss trends and developments in contemporary opera and new music theater. Recent events include a colloquium to discuss the future of new-music theater held in conjunction with the release of CCO’s Artistic Director Eric Salzman’s new book and a lecture by the late Jack Beeson, the distinguished composer who has been a long time friend and supporter of the Center.