(Photo by Rebecca Allen)

On Site Opera is set to present the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky and David Cote’s “Lucidity” on Nov. 14-16, 2024.

The premiere will take place at the Abrons Arts Center, followed by performances of the opera in Seattle. The opera will be directed by Sarah Ina Meyers and conducted by Geoffrey McDonald. The opera was inspired as a vehicle for 80-year-old soprano Lucy Shelton, who headlines the ensemble as Lili. The cast includes Blythe Gaissert as Dr. Claire Klugman, Cristina María Castro as Sunny, and Eric McKeever as Dante.

The work is described as “a poignant and immersive chamber opera that delves into the intersection of music and memory loss. Centering on the lives of four individuals brought together through a music therapy trial for dementia, the opera explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the healing power of art.”

“’Lucidity’ is a deeply personal exploration of how music can bridge the gaps created by cognitive decline. Working on this piece has been both a creative and cathartic process, and I hope it resonates with audiences on a profound level,” noted Cote in an official press release.

“It represents both the struggle for clarity and the illumination that music can provide,” added Kaminsky.

There will also be a panel discussion on Sept. 17 at The Interchurch Center in New York. The showcase features soprano Renée Fleming and neuroscientist Dr. Michael Shadlen as they join the creators of the work to explore the relationship between music and memory, addressing questions about music therapy’s impact on memory recollection.