Fresh Squeezed Opera (FSO) has announced its 2021-22 season spotlighting works that explore perseverance, hope, and resilience in the face of hardship.

FSO’s season comprises two major programs: the 6th Annual Showcase of New Vocal Chamber Music, which will present several premieres, and the world premiere of a fully staged chamber opera by composer Jillian Flexner and librettist Orlando Segarra.

The 6th Annual Showcase of New Vocal Chamber Music, “An Antidote to Failure,” will feature the world premiere of a yet-to-be-named work by Molly Joyce. Commissioned by FSO, Joyce’s composition probes the line between joy and doubt. Kangyi Zhang’s “Willed Capital” and Mamed Sadykh-Pur’s “Two Songs” will have their world-premiere performances. Also on the program is the New York premiere of Minato Sakamoto’s “Climbing High,” and Brian Mark’s “Harlem (A Dream Deferred).” A reception with the composers and performers will follow the showcase.

Performance Date: Nov. 3, 2021

In late spring 2022, FSO will stage the world premiere of composer Jillian Flexner and librettist Orlando Segarra’s “Self Defined Circuits.” Drawing inspiration from the #MeToo movement, the composer’s own experiences in an abusive relationship, and Sci-Fi writers Isaac Asimov and Ursula Le Guin, the opera relates the story of a newly created sex robot on a journey of self-discovery. “Self Defined Circuits” features Chelsea Feltman as Fembot; Shane Brown as Fembot’s programmer, Pete; Cara Search and Elyse Kakacek as Pete’s Siri-like device, Cora; and Sara Lin Yoder and Stephanie Feigenbaum as Chorus leaders. The creative team comprises Michael Hofmann, Stage Director; Whitney George, Music Director; Victoria Benson, Production Manager; Corina Chase, Costume Design; Jenn Burkhardt, Lighting Design; Matthew Wasser, Video Design; Attilio Rigotti and Orsolya Szánthó, Scenic Design.

Performance Dates: May 3, 5, 6 & 7, 2021