The Opera Omaha and Nebraska Writers Collective have announced that eight poems written by local students will be set to music by the Luna Composition Lab alumni composers.

Per a press release, nearly 60 students from grades three-12 submitted 71 works of poetry after working with the Collective last fall. Now the composer alumni have picked their favorites pieces of poetry for composition.

Three of the selections came from two 11^th graders, one from a 12^th grader, three from sixth graders and another from a 10^th grader. The selected poets are Emilee Burck, Zachary Evas, Audrenna Hicks, Shelby Jochem, Nathaniel Kieilan, Aislinn Miller, and Chloe Urugutia; Kielian had two poems among those selected.

The composers include Aliya Salmanova and Katie Palka.

“We are thrilled to support our local young poets and connect them with emerging composers as they gain insight and hands-on experience in the process of bringing their art to the stage,” stated Lauren Medici, Director of Engagement Programs for Opera Omaha, in a press release.

The finalized works will get performances on Sunday, April 7, at Opera Omaha’s Opera Fellows; this program will be part of Opera Omaha’s ONE Festival.