For 45 years, artist-run Roulette has supported the avant-garde artistic community by offering awards, commissions, residencies, and fellowships. This year, they awarded $135,000 to 11 experimental creators. The organization commissions works by artists in all stages of their careers.

Roulette’s 2023-24 cohort of awarded artists comprises seven Commissioned Artists, five Resident Artists, and a Fellow.

Roulette Resident, composer/performer Lucie Vítková, will present her Roulette-commissioned work “OPERA: SITE,” on November 16, 2023.

This new opera highlights the sounds and life of New York City, including the people who live there. The work not only shares the various sounds of the city but also includes the people and things that make it alive.

Using a new musical writing, made from audio samples taken from New York’s five boroughs, the opera includes newly made sound sculptures and instruments.

“OPERA: SITE” also provides a glimpse of the queer body and helps people connect with each other through sound. Vítková, hopes it will help people see themselves in the world around them and feel more connected to where they live.