In February 2019 I received the news that I had been awarded a commission from the Washington National Opera at  The Kennedy Center. There were approximately 85 semi- finalists for the award. My commission as librettist (author of the story line and words) and the commission of the composer, Carlos Simon, constitutes a team for the creation of a new opera.  

Here's the link:

https://www.kennedy-center.org/wno/mto/AOIInfo  

In September I went to DC for a week of rehearsals at the Washington National Opera's rehearsal hall with the composer, conductor, singers. This was the first time I had heard it sung. It was wonderful! On Saturday, September 21st there was a workshop performance at the REACH, a brand new facility at the Kennedy Center.

On Friday, January 10th, I returned  to DC for the premiere at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theatre.

Here's the link:

https://www.kennedy-center.org/wno/mto/AOIInfo  

Night Trip was reviewed on Monday, January 13th in the Washington Post:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/at-the-kennedy-center-wnos-opera-initiative-unveils-a-trio-of-novelties/2020/01/11/d6610810-34ad-11ea-91fd-82d4e04a3fac_story.html

On Saturday January 11, it was reviewed in the Washington Classical Review:

https://washingtonclassicalreview.com/2020/01/11/wnos-american-opera-initiative-serves-up-an-intriguing-trio-of-new-works/