The Carroll County Arts Council in Westminster, Maryland is set to work premiere “A Pregnant Pause” on April 12, 2024.

The new opera by Garth Baxter, composer of “Lily,” and Alize Francheska Rozsnyai, will be directed by Stephen Strosnider and stars Rozsnyai, Annie Gill, Katherine Boyce, and pianist Aaron Thacker.

The work has a duration of 25 minutes and explores the decisions at the core of reproduction including “the practicality and feasibility of bearing children in our current world and economy, and gives voice to women’s suffering internationally as we are brought into the mind of protagonist Serena as she awaits the results of a pregnancy test.”

“The deep reflection this work stirs in everyone, male, female, and other gender representation – for anyone who has children or has or wants to one day give birth, for those who have had a sexual violence or manipulation used against them, for those who have suffered so that their children can have a better life, for anyone who is alive and has lots of thoughts about existing – this opera is for everyone,” Rozsnyai said in an official press statement.

“Women never get this kind of voice and platform, especially in opera. Our stories are always told through the male lens. This opera, ‘A Pregnant Pause,’ actually lets us have a voice,” added Gill.