how to write an opera in 24 hours (or so I think)

Photographer: Tim Wilkerson for The Atlanta Opera

It is time to dust off this blog and mooch a story from The Atlanta Opera since it is their third annual 24-Hour Opera Project.  I do have fond memories of the event last year, and I'm sad I won't be able to participate this year.¹ However, I do plan to throw a party and watch the live-streaming of the show. (Advantage: I get a good night's sleep this time around. The participants this year…not so much.)

I wish everyone luck (including my sharp and quick librettist from last year, Vynnie Meli, who is crazy enough to participate for the third year in a row), and I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing their stuff. Even though we composers may not like to crampose, sometimes we create some fantastic work under pressure.²