Each year, New Voices Opera embarks on the search to discover brand new chamber operas to bring to fruition in our hometown of Bloomington, Indiana. The process takes two years and begins with our annual Exhibition held in late fall. At the Exhibition (affectionately titled "NVO X"), excerpts from operas in development by student composers are workshopped and performed, all in consideration for selection for the following year's production.  

Once the opera(s) for production have been selected, the composers and librettists work with the administrative team to hone the libretto and craft the score over the next year and a half until it's time to cast and begin rehearsals. This culminates in our main production, which is held annually in late spring in Bloomington. The composers have the opportunity to workshop a new chamber opera and witness what goes into producing their work behind the scenes from casting to resource development and set design. 

But the composers aren't the only ones benefitting from this process! The entire NVO team, from artists to administrators, is completely volunteer and all student-run. Students are gaining invaluable experience operating within a live business model.  They are able gain stage experience performing or designing a new work and arts administration experience in marketing, development, and artistic management. NVO isn't just a producing company, it's an experiential learning environment for all involved.