Composer Timothy C. Takach and librettist Caitlin Vincent have been awarded the Domenic J. Pellicciotti Opera Composition Prize from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music.

The duo was awarded for their new opera “Computing Venus,” which takes a look into the life of groundbreaking astronomer Maria Mitchell. The two will receive $25,000 to complete the new work, which is set for a premiere in the Fall of 2024 at The Crane School of Music.

“We are so fortunate that our students have the opportunity to bring Maria Mitchell’s story to life on the stage,” said Dr. William Gibbons, dean of The Crane School, in an official press statement. “Timothy C. Takach and Caitlin Vincent are creating a powerful work that speaks to issues women around the world face every day, and collaborating on this world premiere is an experience our students, faculty and community will never forget.”

Takach is the co-founder of Cantus, Graphie Publishing, and Nation, and the co-creator of “All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914.” Vincent has worked on such operas as “Better Gods,” “Uncle Alex,” “Tienda,” and “Nullipara.” She is a faculty member at the University of Melbourne and is also a classically-trained soprano.

The selection committee for the prize included Dr. Erin Brooks, composer Tom Cipullo, Liesl Schoenberger Doty, Dr. Carleen Graham, Dr. Ivette Herryman Rodríguez, Dr. Tim Sullivan, Brock Tjosvold, and Darren Keith Woods.