CCM and Cincinnati Opera Association Awarded NEA Grant For ‘Opera Fusion’ Documentary

We are delighted to report that the National Endowment for the Arts has awarded the CCM and Cincinnati Opera Association partnership Opera Fusion: New Works a $30,000 grant to support the production of a documentary film chronicling the creation of an American work of opera!

In 2011, Opera Fusion: New Works awarded its first workshop to composer Douglas J. Cuomo and librettist John Patrick Shanley in support of their new opera Doubt. Doubt, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Shanley, was developed in its earliest stages during the 10-day workshop in November 2011. The program provided a cast of both principal singers and chorus from the CCM Opera program, and renowned conductor Gary Wedow and stage director Robin Guarino worked with the composing team, students, and professional accompanists to bring the piece to life. The workshop culminated in two free public performances of the work in progress.

The grant has been awarded to support the production of a documentary by Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar, who were on hand to document the initial Opera Fusion workshop. Their film is intended for national broadcasting and film screenings.

Congratulations to the team that put this winning proposal together!