SNAPSHOT
SNAPSHOT: The Latest Developments In Opera
Call For Scores
West Edge Opera is soliciting excerpts of unproduced works combining music and theater to present in SNAPSHOT - a series of performances presented to the public in a professional concert setting.
Collaborating with San Francisco-based Earplay (www.earplay.org) as the instrumental ensemble, SNAPSHOT is an opportunity for Composers and Librettists to put shorter works or excerpts of longer works on their feet with world class vocalists and instrumentalists. The performances are attended by the general public and are profiled and reviewed by high profile publications including the San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Classical Voice, KDFC, and KQED.
All participating composers and librettists will also be provided a feedback session with leaders in the new opera field. Previous panelists have included Khori Dastoor (Houston Grand Opera), Bill Gorjance (Peer Music Publishing), Kip Cranna (San Francisco Opera Dramaturg Emeritus), and Joseph Marcheso (Opera San Jose Music Director).
For the first time this year, SNAPSHOT will open its application call to composers and librettists from outside the west coast. Strong preference will be given to composers and librettists with ties to the west coast. Travel and lodging assistance is not guaranteed.
Call for Submissions Opens: July 15th, 2025
Call for Submissions Closes: September 1st, 2025
Selections will be announced by: October 15th, 2025
Successful submissions will be asked to orchestrate for our ensemble of piano and up to 6 instruments.
We appreciate innovation and will consider the involvement of mediated sound.
The adjudication panel includes:
Earplay Conductor Mary Chun
West Edge Opera Music Director Jonathan Khuner
Artist and SNAPSHOT Co-Founder Brian M. Rosen
Artist and West Edge Opera Staff Kenneth Kellogg
Successful submissions will participate in an interview video to be shown during the program, and posted on our website. After the performance, composers and librettists will be provided with an audio recording. The participants can choose video excerpts which West Edge Opera will host and can be linked to.
SNAPSHOT DATES:
February 28th, and March 1st, 2026
at First Congo in Berkeley and at The Taube Atrium Theater in San Francisco