COMING SOON!
Fall 2025
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Creating Opera: A Workshop for Singers
This project has been a collaboration with internationally recognized composer, Luc Baiwir. The opera is a work-in-progress and will be a two-act opera with twelve characters. The class will stage and assist in shaping the libretto and musical elements for this opera in English. We will work on developing the vocal tessitura, voice type, and character development of each role. The goal of this project is to workshop and continue to develop The Lost Melody, culminating in a staged workshop with Hunter Opera Theater in Fall 2025 in Lang Recital Hall.
Luc Baiwir - Composer
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Luc Baiwir is a true Renaissance artist, embodying the roles of pianist, composer, psychologist, producer, concert performer, educator, concert organizer, and sound engineer. His journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, encompassing a wide range of accomplishments and unexpected challenges.
A prolific composer, Baiwir’s musical achievements extend far beyond borders, resonating with audiences not only in Belgium, but also in Asia and the United States. A graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Liège as a pianist and the University of Liège as a psychologist, Baiwir has spent half a century forging a fascinating and passionate path.
From his childhood dreams to composing numerous works for film, television, and major concerts that brought him popularity, Baiwir’s creativity knows no bounds. His versatility is further highlighted in his responses to requests from renowned musicians, offering them timeless classical works that are now published.
Throughout his life, Baiwir has surrounded himself with exceptional musicians, fostering both excellence and friendship. His success story unfolds like a captivating novel, reminiscent in its beginnings of 19th-century tales that moved the privileged to tears over the struggles of the oppressed. Then, music arrived—and it never left him…
Susan Gonzalez - Dramaturg
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Susan Gonzalez, soprano is Director of the Vocal Performance Program and the Hunter Opera Theater which has been showcasing fully staged productions of new works in the Kaye Playhouse since 2007. Among these include the premieres of Nicholas Flagello’s opera The Sisters, Richard Burke’s Game of Poker and The House as well as various student compositions featured in our Pocket Opera Project. As a singer, Susan has appeared in leading roles with numerous opera companies and symphony orchestras including the Chicago Lyric Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, Lake George Opera, Eugene Opera, Dayton Opera, New Orleans Opera, and Bolshoi Opera. She most recently headlined at the Festival de Musique de Huy in Belgium, among performers ranging from classical singers to reggae artists. Susan received an Emmy nomination for the role of Rosina in il Barbiere di Siviglia filmed for television under the direction of Richard Pearlman. She has appeared as featured soloist in major concert halls such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center with the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Cincinnati Symphony, Annapolis Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra and the American Composers Orchestra. Some of her honors and awards include the Metropolitan Opera, the George London Foundation, Leonard Warren and Baltimore Opera Competitions as well as the Liederkranz Foundation and American Opera Association. Susan’s love of new works is reflected in her recordings of works by Nicholas Flagello, Ruth Schonthal, Elizabeth Fabregas and Elizabeth Austin on Naxos, Artek and Leonarda labels as well as two projects for the ROUSSEL Foundation in Paris, France on the Azur label. She currently serves on the Artistic Advisory Council for The American Opera Project and is board member and New York State Governor for the National Opera Association. In addition she sits on Opera America’s Performer Development Forum.
Preview Clip – Synthesized Demo from Workshop Score
Please note: This is a computer-generated demo created for workshop purposes. Live performances will feature student singers and instrumentalists.