FAQ
Now in its fourth season, the event launched as the 96-Hour Opera Project has expanded to include developmental workshops and incubator performances of works by competition winners from previous seasons, in addition to the annual competition.
The competition, in which teams of composers and librettists have four days to workshop and stage completely new and compelling 10-minute operas, is the heart of the festival. Each team presents their work in a showcase before an audience and the panel of judges.
Winners from previous year’s competition will have the opportunity to present their developed works in an incubator setting and, the following year, as a more developed workshopped opera.
In 2025, the 96-Hour Opera Festival will commence on Tuesday, June 17 and conclude with the competition showcase. The working locations and performance venue will be hosted in partnership with Morehouse College, School of Music. The competition finals will be open to the public and will be held at the Ray Charles Center for the Performing Arts located at 900 West End Ave, SW in Atlanta, on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
The Atlanta Opera will provide a compelling story theme or themes for the participating librettists and composers. The story prompts will be given to the creative teams in advance of the competition with time to engage in exploration and research on the subject.
The competition encourages the participation of composers and librettists who self-identify as part of a group that has been underrepresented in opera.
We are only able to accept permanent residents and citizens of the United States for this project.
There is no age range or limit for applying, but composers and librettists in the early stages of their careers are encouraged to participate.
Application is limited to artists who are determined to have significant skills as a composer and/or playwright/librettist through academic study and limited professional experiences; and who demonstrate a unique perspective that could benefit from mentorship.
Successful applicants will express interest and enthusiasm for opera as a form of storytelling, however, artists with no previous opera experience are encouraged to apply. They will demonstrate excellence as evidenced by submitted samples of previous composition/writing and a developed voice in their chosen art form and will commit to following a provided story prompt to develop a 10-minute work for a maximum of two voices.
We will provide an option to pair artists, based on their experience and interests.
All participating teams will travel to Atlanta after preparing their works in advance of the program. Travel (airfare or mileage reimbursement), housing, singers, pianists and space will be provided to each composer/librettist team to showcase their new mini-operas.
Submissions will be evaluated based on artistic excellence or the potential for artistic excellence, artistic ability, knowledge of both vocal and orchestral writing (composers), and character development (librettists).
Judges will be announced soon.
• DAY 1: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 – Introductions and music rehearsal
• DAY 2: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 – Rehearsal and staging
Thu, June 19, 2025: Juneteenth, Day off for all
• DAY 3: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 – Coaching, mentorship with judges, and final prep
• DAY 4: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 – Dress rehearsal, Showcase performance and judging
We invite the community to enjoy the performances/competition on Saturday, June 21. The Atlanta Opera Film Studio will capture aspects of the preparation and the competition showcase. Specific use of the video and audio recordings will be determined by the needs of The Atlanta Opera.
