Opera Omaha’s annual Poetry & Music Project will culminate in a live concert presenting the world premiere of the songs inspired by poems from Nebraska students.

This concert will premiere 15 original pieces with words from students set to music by professional composers Gabrielle Herbst and J.E. Hernández.

The original poems, written by Nebraska students grades 3 through 12, were selected from a pool of 134 submissions across 14 Nebraska counties.

The selected poems include “Un Corps” by Addison Bryant, Anselmo-Merna Public School, “I want my voice to be…” by Theodore Bullis, Castle Hill Academy, “Capturing the essence of your voice” by Maggie Dendinger, Cedar Catholic High School, “Not all of us live the same” by Claire Gunn, Gretna Middle School, “You Are Beautiful” by Emma Kaiser, Portal Elementary, “I’ll Grow” by Aarya Khobare, Millard North Middle School, “Voice Emotions” by Makayla Klinefelter, St. John the Baptist School, “I am not Alone” by Lucie Lautenschlager, Palmer Public School, “Untitled” by MaKenna Love, Norfolk Catholic, “Burning Stars” by Athiei Majuec, Logan Fontenelle Middle School, “Joy” by Ava Noecker, Cedar Catholic High School, “Universe’s End” by Kylie Remm, Douglas County West High School, “Sweet Little Lullabies” by Meyiah Sanchez, Omaha Street School, “The Land I Call Home” by Ava Stewart, Cedar Catholic High School, and “Love, Heart, Kind” by Kim Valquier, Hayward School.

However, all 135 submitted poems will be included in the “Poetry & Music Project book,” which will be distributed to all poets, teachers, concert audience, and available online in May.

The completed works will be performed at a free live concert on May 7 at the Benson Theatre.