Opera Bites is Boston Opera Collaborative’s two-year-long micro opera commissioning program and post-educational residency, culminating in a final performance of compelling 10-minute "bite-sized" operas.
Founded in 2014, the program was created to increase accessibility and reduce entry barriers to new music by supporting up-and-coming composers and librettists. We will provide mentorship, resources, and support to write for the operatic stage through this program.
Having commissioned nearly 30 Opera Bites since 2014, Boston Opera Collaborative invites proposal submissions from composers, librettists, or composer/librettist teams to create our next 6 new Opera Bites for premiere in the 2025-2026 season during BOC’s 20th anniversary
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We are most interested in stories and themes that are most relevant to today’s society. Submissions are welcome from all composers and librettists who are eligible to work in the United States. In collaboration with Boston Opera Collaborative, the selected composers/librettists will develop the Opera Bites through a series of workshops leading up to a performance in 2026.
The application cycle for the 2024-2026 is CLOSED.
If you have questions about the next Opera Bites Commission cycle, please email info@bocopera.org
By centering the experiences of new storymakers and artists in Opera, we are shaping a more diverse and inclusive future for this art form.
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Recent works from our Opera Bites Workshops include:
Performance: 2017
Tony Solitro, Composer
Jane Martin, Librettist
Love triangles are never easy, but Joyce isn’t concerned. She knows exactly how to handle the situation. When she learns the “other woman” is a goddess, she begins to unravel. How can she compete with that?
The Battle of Bull Run Always Makes Me Cry
Performance: 2018
Jonathan Bailey Holland, Composer & Librettist
Dating can be so awkward. Especially when that hot guy is – really?? – a Civil War fanatic.
Performance: 2023
Jordan Kuspa, Composer
Dan McGeehan, Librettist
Capturing a heartfelt vignette of a woman who suffers from Alzheimers and her return to lucidity for a fleeting moment.
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Performance: 2023
John Greer, Composer
Sheri Wilner, Librettist
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Alexis Peart
Executive Director & Producer
Tony Solitro
Program Coordinator & Composer
Ken Yanagisawa
Music Director