In a small town, somewhere in America, a community gathers to ask their senator questions about the politics of the day, and the proceedings are live-streamed on social media by a young intern. But the conversation turns into a heated debate with mortal stakes when a retired librarian takes the event hostage. 

Maryland Opera Studio students premiere an opera by the winner of the annual Opera Composition Contest. Launched in 2017, the contest is a joint initiative of the Maryland Opera Studio and Artist Partner Program to support the cultivation and performance of new work. 

Photo: Lisa Phillip