Washington National Opera is set to open its seventh season of the American Opera Initiative (AOI) with four world premieres from Jan. 11–13, 2019 at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater.

This season, the AOI Festival will present the world premiere of “Taking Up Serpents,” a new hour-long work by composer Kamala Sankaram and librettist Jerre Dye, as well as “75 Miles,” “Pepito,” and “Relapse.”

“The American Opera Initiative has now supported the work of some 50 young American composers and librettists, in a field where securing first commissions is notoriously difficult and risk-laden. This has helped them develop their craft and gain invaluable experience in a safe environment, mentored by some of the leading American creative artists, with their works being realized by world-class performers and production teams,” said Robert Ainsley, AOI program director, in a press release.

The AOI festival provides rare opportunities for emerging composers and librettists to partner and write for the opera stage. Since its inception, the annual program has commissioned 28 chamber operas, with some going on to future productions around the country.