 is a concert of chamber music by contemporary women composers whose works respond to war, injustice, resilience, and the process of healing. This thoughtfully curated program brings together four powerful pieces that reflect a wide spectrum of artistic voices and lived experiences. Some are rooted in direct engagement with conflict or crisis, while others respond through observation, poetic metaphor, or imagined worlds. The concert will feature works by four current members of New York Women Composers (NYWC).

EPSG:4326

Here and Now Labor Day Festival– Dal Sogno Ensemble

Bargemusic

Lucidity

This intimate chamber opera sheds light on the tragedy of dementia and all those it touches. Lili, an elderly singer and composer with early dementia, struggles with her son, Dante, who has given up his career as a pianist to care for her. Dr. Klugman's study on music and memory brings Sunny, a young clarinetist, into their orbit. What is the connection between music and memory? Facing the challenge of this all-too-human condition demands the utmost in courage and sacrifice.

Seattle Opera

**Lucidity - A World Premiere Opera Event**

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the world of opera with the world premiere of "Lucidity," a poignant and deeply moving production presented by On Site Opera. This groundbreaking event is set to captivate audiences from November 14-16, 2024, offering a unique exploration of music, memory, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

**About the Opera:**
"Lucidity" is a compelling narrative that unfolds through the music of Laura Kaminsky and the libretto by David Cote. The story centers around a retired singer facing the challenges of dementia. As she navigates the twilight of her years, her son puts aside his own aspirations in music to provide care, creating a poignant tapestry of sacrifice, love, and the transformative power of music. Their lives intersect with a vibrant young clarinetist and an innovative music-therapy researcher, leading to an exploration that celebrates the joyous moments of life amidst struggles.

**Performance Details:**
- **Dates:** November 14-16, 2024
- **Location:** To be announced. Stay tuned for updates on our website.
- **Ticket Information:** Ticket reservations will be launching soon. Sign up for our email list to receive notifications and secure your spot at this not-to-be-missed event.

**Cast & Creative Team:**
- **Cristina María Castro** as Sunny
- **Blythe Gaissert** as Dr. Klugman
- **Eric McKeever** as Dante
- **Lucy Shelton** as Lili
- With **Shaina Martinez** and **JoAnna Vladyka** covering the roles of Sunny and Dr. Klugman, respectively.

The opera's vision is brought to life by a talented creative team, including **David Cote** (Librettist), **Laura Kaminsky** (Composer), **Geoffrey McDonald** (Conductor), and **Sarah Meyers** (Stage Director), with **Sable Strout** as the Assistant Director.

**Support and Partnerships:**
This production is made possible through the support of the Emma A. Sheafer Charitable Trust and the collaboration of additional co-commission partners. We extend our deepest gratitude for their commitment to bringing innovative opera to the stage.

**Stay Connected:**
Don't miss out on any updates regarding "Lucidity" and other upcoming shows. Join our mailing list today and be the first to know about ticket releases, cast announcements, and more. Plus, consider making a gift to support On Site Opera as we transform NYC into a grand opera house, one production at a time.

Prepare to be moved by the power of music and storytelling with "Lucidity." We look forward to sharing this world premiere with you.

Please join us for this historic event. Curated works from the twelve distinguished composers participating in our inaugural season oral history project will be presented by the same young artists who interviewed them.

Marshall Opera Oral History Project Concert

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center

With humor and empathy, As One chronicles Hannah’s inner journey as she endeavors to resolve the discord between herself and the outside world. Two singers, a baritone and a mezzo-soprano, share the part of the sole transgender protagonist Hannah in this most produced contemporary opera in the world. The three scenes trace Hannah’s struggle to measure up to expectations, her search for her identity, and finally making peace with herself and the world around her.

As One

Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health

We are an ensemble of classical musicians who perform works from the traditional and non-traditional canon of chamber music. We focus on marginalized and overlooked composers who have dreamt of their music being heard. Join us in our mission to bring to light New York Women Composers.

Here and Now Winter Festival: Works by New York Women Composers / Dal Sogno Ensemble

Partially inspired by Kimberly Reed’s own experiences as a transgender woman, the chamber opera AS ONE tells the story of Hannah, portrayed by a baritone (Hannah before) and a mezzo-soprano (Hannah after). Fifteen scenes compassionately and humorously depict Hannah's youth experiences in a small town up to her college years. Eventually, she travels to a different country and attempts to "become one" with herself.

Theater Regensburg

As One Kentucky Opera 23-24 Season

Kentucky Opera

Since its premiere in 2014, As One has become the most-produced 21st-century opera in North America. Its creators, Laura Kaminsky (composer), Mark Campbell (librettist), and Kimberly Reed (filmmaker and writer), will discuss how the opera was conceived, illuminating the art of collaboration, commissioning, and areas of entrepreneurship.

Opera Talkback: Laura Kaminsky, Kimberly Reed, and Mark Campbell Discuss As One

Boston Conservatory at Berklee

American composer, presenter of multidisciplinary events, and educator Laura Kaminsky leads a discussion on arts administration leadership with the Boston Conservatory at Berklee community. Kaminsky has previously held the positions of artistic director of Symphony Space; director of music and theater programs at the New School; artistic director of Town Hall; and associate director of humanities at the 92nd Street Y. Kaminsky is currently chair of the composition department at the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College (SUNY), where she was dean from 2004–2008.

Arts Entrepreneurship Discussion with Laura Kaminsky

Hannah, a transgender woman, discovers her gender identity and learns to love herself in this ground-breaking new 75-minute chamber opera. The role of Hannah will be portrayed by two of our Chrisman Studio Artist alumni, baritone Evan Bravos (Inman – Cold Mountain, Music Academy of the West ’19) singing Hannah before, and mezzo soprano Ashley Kay Armstrong (Olga, ’19) singing Hannah after. The 15 song work is accompanied by string quartet and spans Hannah’s childhood through adulthood. As One has garnered critical acclaim around the country since its 2014 premiere, and we are excited to premiere this work here for Santa Barbara audiences. According to Opera News it is “A piece that haunts and challenges its audience with questions about identity, authenticity, compassion and the human desire for self-love and peace.” Making their Opera Santa Barbara debuts are director Amy Hutchison and conductor Alexis Enyart. The music and concept are by Laura Kaminsky, with a libretto by Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed and film by Ms. Reed.

Lobero Theatre

Lucidity is a chamber opera by composer Laura Kaminsky and librettist David Cote that explores the fragile interplay between memory, identity, and music. The story centers on Lili, a celebrated former opera singer confronting the early stages of dementia. As her cognitive abilities decline, her son Dante—a once-promising pianist—has put his own career on hold to care for her. Their dynamic is further complicated when Dr. Claire Klugman, a neuroscientist and Lili’s former student, introduces Lili to a music therapy study involving Sunny, a gifted young clarinetist.

Tri-Cities Opera Center

Who am I? And how do I find out? Two soloists and a string quartet: sometimes that’s all it takes. Laura Kamsinky’s opera As One sensitively describes Hannah’s path to self-discovery. Based on the biography of Kimberly Reed – who co-wrote the libretto with Mark Campbell – it tells the story of a trans woman and her experiences with her family, with society and with herself. Since its world premiere in 2014, As One has become one of the most performed new operas in North America. The reviews have been glowing. According to the New York Classical Review: “As One is everything that we hope for in contemporary opera: topical, poignant, daring, and beautifully written.” And for Out Magazine, “(t)he success and beauty of As One is that it reveals epic emotions within an intimate frame.” Now visitors to Semper Zwei can also accompany Hannah on her journey from childhood to adulthood.

Laura Kaminsky

Events

Upcoming events

Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2026

Lucidity · Tri-Cities Opera

20 - 28 Jun, 2026

As One · Semperoper Dresden

Past events

Aug 30, 2025

Here and Now Labor Day Festival– Dal Sogno Ensemble · Bargemusic

24 - 27 Apr, 2025

Lucidity · Opera Ithaca

About

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