In this tumultuous field where opera houses are struggling to attract new audiences, modern opera gives us a glimmer of hope. People will always come back for the classics like Mozart, Puccini, Bizet, but modern operas can be more relatable to today’s audiences. The themes and plots of new operas are often based on popular stories, novels, or characters that are relevant to current society. All of the modern operas we will focus on were premiered in the last 20 years and can be performed in English, which immediately eliminates the language barrier for first-time opera goers. These operas all include great roles and arias you should consider adding to your audition package!

Dead Man Walking by Jake Heggie

Confession Scene - Dead Man Walking

This is Jake Heggie’s first and most-performed opera (be sure to check out Moby Dick and It’s a Wonderful Life, too). The story is based on the non-fiction writings of Sister Helen Prejean, which chronicled her experiences with convicts on death row. Dead Man Walking begins with a prologue depicting rape and a double murder by Joseph De Rocher and his brother. Sister Helen begins corresponding with Joseph after his conviction, and he asks Sister Helen to become his spiritual adviser to help him through his eventual execution. The opera includes other characters including another strong role, Joseph’s mother. Both of the main characters, Sister Helen and Joseph de Rocher, have many arias and aria-like moments both mezzos and baritones should consider for contemporary audition pieces.

Main Roles:

• Sister Helen Prejean - mezzo-soprano
  • Aria: "This Journey"
• Joseph De Rocher - baritone
  • Aria: "A Warm Night"
• Mrs. Patrick De Rocher -  mezzo-soprano
  • Aria: "Don't Say a Word"

Charlie Parker’s Yardbird by Daniel Schnyder

Highlights - Charlie Parker's Yardbird

This 90-minute chamber opera has been performed in many major opera houses throughout the country in just the past three years. Based on acclaimed jazz saxophonist and composer, Charlie Parker, this opera begins with Parker on the day of his death and follows him through a purgatory-like experience. He is visited by those who shaped his life: his mother, his lovers, his colleague, and his patron. The music combines jazz influences with traditional classical structures through scatting and jazz rhythms. Though the show is primarily duets, there are amazing and challenging solo moments for all of the characters as well as an inspiring quintet.

Roles:

• Charlie Parker - tenor
• Addie Parker - soprano
• Dizzy Gillespie - baritone
• Chan Parker - soprano
• Doris Parker - soprano
• Baroness Nica - mezzo-soprano
• Rebecca Parker - mezzo-soprano

Doctor Atomic by John Adams

"Batter My Heart" - Doctor Atomic

Doctor Atomic premiered in San Francisco in 2005 and has been performed around the world ever since. It was performed at the Metropolitan Opera in 2008 and was a featured production for the Live in HD series. Librettist, Peter Sellars, utilized personal memoirs, documented interviews, government documents, and other sources to create a riveting depiction of the events and its ramifications.

The opera follows the storyline of creating the atomic bomb in Los Alamos. The leading physicist, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and Army Commander General, Leslie Groves, begin the opera during the completion of the atomic bomb. As the creation nears its completion, those involved, especially Edward Teller and Robert Wilson, question the moral and social consequences of dropping the bomb on Japan. Oppenheimer’s wife, Kitty, is a significant role as she examines the issues of peace, war, and love.

Main Roles:

• J. Robert Oppenheimer - baritone
  • Aria: "Batter My Heart"
• Kitty Oppenheimer - mezzo-soprano or soprano
• Leslie Groves - bass
• Edward Teller - dramatic baritone
• Robert Wilson - tenor
   

The Perfect American by Philip Glass

Excerpts - The Perfect American

Philip Glass’ operas are gaining traction in opera houses around the US. One of his most recent operas, The Perfect American, premiered in 2013 in Madrid, Spain and was performed in London later that year. It recently premiered in the US at Long Beach Opera in 2017. It is based on the German novel of the same name by Peter Stephan Jungk, which chronicles the darker side of Walt Disney.

This fictional opera begins with Walt Disney at the end of his life. He is filled with fear and haunted by his life as he contemplates his legacy. Each scene randomly jumps from his death bed to years earlier where we meet his brother, Roy, his nurse, Hazel, his family, and other important people throughout his life. The opera paints Disney in a less than flattering light by illuminating his demons and secrets.

Main Roles:

• Walt Disney - baritone
• Roy Disney - bass-baritone
• Wilhelm Dantine - tenor
• Hazel George - soprano
• Lillian Disney - soprano

Cold Mountain by Jennifer Higdon

"Tell Her" - Cold Mountain

Cold Mountain is based on the Charles Frazier novel and movie of the same name and was premiered at Santa Fe Opera in 2015. The premiere coincided with the 150^th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War, and it has since been produced around the country. This opera is the first and only opera to date composed by Jennifer Higdon and is set during the American Civil War in 1865.

W. P. Inman is a Confederate soldier who has been wounded at the Battle of Petersburg. He resolves to leave the Army and begin the journey home to his love, Ada Monroe. The Home Guard, an organization that finds deserters of the Confederate Army, is searching for Inman, which is lead by Teague. Inman and Ada both encounter many hardships and meet many other characters through their journeys back to each other. The opera tells this dramatic story with distinct characters and exciting vocals.

Main Roles:

• W. P. Inman - baritone
  • Aria: "The Metal Age"
• Ada Monroe - soprano or high mezzo-soprano
  • Aria: "Ada's Aria (I Feel Sorry for You)"
• Ruby - mezzo-soprano
  • Aria: "My Only Teacher was Hunger"
• Teague - tenor 

The importance of new operas will continue to keep our audiences interested and present. Not every new opera will be the next La Bohème, but they will keep your audition package as well as your resume current and exciting.