We are creating a video production of the new American opera Lily by Garth Baxter. This opera is in the style of Puccini or Verdi with lovely arias and a story based on The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton. The music was composed by Westminster resident Garth Baxter. The libretto was written by Lisa Van Auken (a graduate from McDaniel College). The opera was 13 years in the making. It is absolutely beautiful.

There will be a 15-piece orchestra and a cast of 15 singers/performers under conductor Juliano Aniceto . A full stage crew, sets, and costumes are under the direction of Stephen Strosnider, technical director for theater arts at McDaniel College. The filming is being handled by Fraimework Productions on the stage at historic Alumni Hall at McDaniel College in Westminster. This project engages the whole realm of skills needed to put a production in place and includes a number of local residents.

This opera will put Westminster on the map as a place where great performances can happen, where art and music are still in the forefront of our lives. It will highlight the skills of local musicians and artists throughout Maryland. It will bring opera back to the masses and introduce this beautiful music to a new generation of audience members. Because this is a video production, it will be available forever rather than a one-time performance. Its reach will be unlimited.

Rehearsals begin in June. Recording takes place in June and July. The opera will be available for streaming this fall.

The Lily opera project is supported by local businesses and funded in part by a Community Arts Development Grant from the Carroll County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council. The Carroll County Arts Council is actively engaged in helping us get this project funded and produced.