The program is open to composers and librettists of all nationalities, career levels, and educational backgrounds, as long as they meet the experience requirements listed in the call

👉 Composers: should have the ability and prior experience writing effectively for standard symphonic forces (full orchestra), experience composing for the voice (opera scenes, art songs, choral works, musical theater, oratorio, or cantata movements), proficiency in notation software (Dorico, Sibelius, or Finale), and a basic understanding of dramatic and musical structures.

👉 Librettists: should have skills in creating compelling narratives and character arcs, and comfort working collaboratively in musical settings.

👉 Illustrators: Ability to transform stories into compelling visual narratives, along with a willingness to collaborate and adapt illustrations to theatrical needs and the evolving creative process. No prior experience in scenic design is required.

👉 All applicants must have proficiency in English (as a native or second language) and in another language connected to their cultural identity or artistic aesthetic.

The application fee is $25 for Priority and Early-Bird Applications (submitted by July 31, 2026) or $40 for Standard Applications (submitted by August 14, 2026). Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

If the application fee represents a financial hardship, you may request a full application fee waiver through one of our partner institutions or by emailing solutions@performingartslab.com. Your request must include:

• A brief explanation of why you are unable to afford the application fee.

• Supporting documentation demonstrating your financial circumstances.

• A clear statement confirming your consent to be considered for this help.

• A clear statement confirming your consent to be publicly shared in all our marketing channels as a fee-waiver applicant.

• Screenshots demonstrating that you have permanently shared this opportunity (the program you are applying to) on your social media accounts. Your post must mention that you are applying to the Opera Camp™ Composition & Libretto Program by Performing Arts Laboratory and must tag us @performingartslab.

Applications without a completed checkout will be invalid and will not be reviewed by the jury. Be sure to complete the payment process when submitting your application.

👉 Opera Master Participants

One composer, one librettist, and one illustrator are selected each year.

All selected participants receive a Full Professional Creator Fellowship, covering the full tuition cost of the program:

• Composer: $30,000 (USD)

• Librettist: $15,000 (USD)

• Illustrator: $15,000 (USD)

👉 Opera Fellow Participants

Selected Fellows receive a Full Professional Creator Fellowship, covering the full tuition cost of the program:

• Composer: $15,000 (USD)

• Librettist: $7,500 (USD)

• Illustrator: $7,500 (USD)

👉 Opera Apprentice Participants

Tuition is $6,000 (USD) per participant, payable before the official winner announcement. Payment plans are available.

Tuition covers all program activities described on the official website. It also includes tuition for in-person participationin the Bloomington Opera Camp™ within the Co-Creators Major (Composer, Librettist, or Illustrator).*

In all cases, participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meals if they choose to attend the Bloomington Opera Camp™ in person. Recommendations and guidance will be provided to assist with planning.

*Please note that in-person participation is optional, not mandatory. If you are unable to travel, you may participate virtually and receive your mentorship remotely from the Bloomington Opera Camp™.

The opera you co-create will be developed as a joint venture (17 U.S.C. § 101) between you (the composer and librettist), Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vásquez, and the PAL creative team.

✅ What does this mean for you? Your work becomes part of the CommunityOperaScores™ catalog, ensuring it is professionally promoted, premiered internationally, and managed for future opportunities such as licensing, rental, and sales. All rights to license, sell, rent, or publish the work are handled by CommunityOperaScores™, Maestro Barbosa-Vásquez, and/or designated partners. This allows your opera to reach global audiences while protecting your creative contributions.

🎓 Your credit matters! You may proudly list the work on your CV, portfolio, and biography as a professional commissioned opera. All future use and performances will highlight your role as composer or librettist.

💡 Why is this structured this way? This model ensures that:

• Your opera benefits from international exposure and professional management.

• All co-creators (including you) receive fair royalties without needing to manage complex licensing themselves.

• The integrity and value of the work are protected long-term.

💰 Royalties As co-creator:

• The composer will receive 20%, the librettist 10% and the illustrator 10% of net income generated by the work (from sales, licenses, rentals, etc.).

• Royalties apply to the specific components you created and are paid annually.

🔒 To ensure the work’s success and proper management, individual licensing or use (in full or part) requires prior written authorization from CommunityOperaScores™ or its designates— helping maintain the value and consistency of the opera for all involved.

To ensure a fair, impartial, and respectful selection process for all artists involved, the jury is composed of five high-level international professionals from diverse regions, disciplines, and backgrounds. All jurors have established careers in composition, writing, artistic direction, or opera and multidisciplinary production.

The identities of the jurors will remain confidential and will not be made public at any stage of the process (neither after it). Each juror has signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), which prohibits them from revealing their participation or sharing any evaluations, rubrics, comments, or deliberations related to this call. This policy exists primarily to protect applicants — ensuring that not being selected does not negatively affect anyone’s career, reputation, or future opportunities. In this way, we uphold an ethical evaluation environment free from public judgment or unnecessary comparisons.

For this reason, detailed feedback, rubrics, scoring metrics, and individual evaluations will not be shared with applicants. Jury decisions are final and confidential, and only the names of the selected winners will be publicly announced. This policy helps ensure that the selection process remains objective, respectful, and equitable for all participants, avoiding unintentional comparisons or undue pressure.

However, if you are seeking guidance or feedback to grow as a composer, librettist, or illustrator (outside the scope of this specific application), we encourage you to explore our other resources — such as the PAL Community or our Services for Individuals. . These platforms offer valuable tools, personalized mentorship, and tailored support designed to nurture your artistic development in all its dimensions.

The inaugural 2025–2026 cohort brought together creators from different countries, artistic traditions, and career stages—from doctoral graduates and internationally recognized professionals to emerging artists. Here is what they had to say about their experience in the program.

Dr. Diego Sosa

Master Librettist | 2025–2026 Cohort

PhD in Media Arts and Drama, Royal Holloway, University of London. His plays and operas have been staged across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

“The program helped me to understand the relationship between music and lyrics, even that I have written operas before [...] working with Diego as a fulfilling experience [...] his guidance was extremely useful, his a natural teacher, his a professional in his craft, and I strongly believe that without his guidance I would not have achieved what I did [...] [This program] is wonderful experience, that will allow you to understand opera in a different way.”

Raul Esteban Ardila Pineda

Master Composer | 2025–2026 Cohort

Multiple award-winning composer whose work bridges contemporary composition and Latin American traditional music.

“What I take away from this program is learning how to communicate an idea to an audience in a clear and effective way. My compositional approach became much more organic, allowing me to move far beyond technical, abstract, and stylistic concerns toward conveying an exceptionally clear message. This experience transformed the way I think about composition and how I will develop my ideas from now on.”

“It was a truly fascinating program because it brought me together with creators from different parts of the world, each with their own cultures, languages, and perspectives.”

“Maestro Barbosa-Vásquez's mentorship was essential. His perspective on the psychology of performers, singers, and audiences—grounded in his own professional experience—provided us with invaluable guidance as we gradually shaped the ideas we wanted to communicate.”

“It is an incredibly enriching experience. You learn an enormous amount while challenging yourself as a creator. At the same time, you build meaningful connections with wonderful people from around the world.”

Robert Ellsworth Feng (USA)

Fellow Librettist | 2025–2026 Cohort

Active bass-baritone and librettist. Featured as a speaker at the 2025 OPERA America Conference.

“Its been wonderful to be working with Maestro [Barbosa-Vasquez] during this process. [...] I wouldn’t be able to work on the bilingual libretto without Diego’s help [...]”

“This [program] heavily features collaboration, there are many programs with “collaboration approach” but this is specially anti-hierarchy [...] removing the hierarchy in the operatic creation system that is incredibly important of Opera and it is something you need to train [...] not everyone gets out of the school really knowing how to collaborate.”

“This is the perfect program for people that are ready to collaborate, play, and leave their egos at the door, and have a good time creating.”

Linda Uran (Croatia)

Fellow Composer | 2025–2026 Cohort

Award-winning composer and founder of Uran Music. Her rock operas and operettas have been staged in renowned theaters.

“Amazing opportunity to meet amazing artists and great people to see how they think on music, the process of composition and their musical language. And with it you get to know their true selves, and I think is the best gift anyone can have [...]”

“Diego is a beautiful person. I like two noble traits that he has. One is patience and the other one is understanding. [...] His knowledge of music really has developed and broadened my thinking and my vision of Opera and also the way of the process of writing an opera.”

“You’ll have a broader view of the world of music, of the business side of music and how things are working in this art business, but you’ll also get a chance to meet fantastic people, share the joy of music, creative ideas, and just be yourself finding the gold within ourselves.”

Sarah Wallin Huff (USA)

Apprentice Composer | 2025–2026 Cohort

Composer and violinist with an MA in Composition. She has worked in concert music and film soundtracks since 1993.

“I really enjoyed my experience as an artist in this program. I had not had a lot of experience in the opera world. It has been very helpful for me to learn that some of the traditions that come from my orchestra background are slightly different than they are in the opera world and that has been very helpful to know what opera conductors might expect to see vs what an orchestra conductor will expect to see for example.”

“I really enjoyed contributing my voice, my musical influences to this whole structure.”

“I really enjoyed to get to work with my colleagues, they are wonderful people.”

Yangfan Xu (China/USA)

Apprentice Composer | 2025–2026 Cohort

DMA Candidate in Composition, New England Conservatory.

“The project created this environment where composers, librettists and artistic director were constantly influencing each other, and ideas were evolving through that exchange.”

“And I also really appreciate Diego for putting the program together and creating this kind of space. It allowed us to experiment, collaborate, and build something that feels very connected across different artistic voices.”

“Being part of the program has been really meaningful for me. I learned more about of the reality of operatic world. And I’ve really valued the community ideas - getting to work with other artists, hearing different perspectives, and being part of something larger than just me writing my own piece. It’s definitely been an intense experience, but also a really fun and rewarding one!”

Participation in the Opera Camp™ Composition & Libretto Program does not require in-person attendance, though in-person participation is encouraged for an enriched experience. The fellowship covers tuition regardless; housing, meals, and travel remain at your expense.

In summary: Participation is optional and non-compulsory if travel is not feasible you can join virtually for mentorship.

Currently, neither the Opera Camp™ Composition & Libretto Program nor the Bloomington Opera Camp™ facilitates visas for international participants. Upon selection and completion of all formal registration steps, we can, if requested, provide an official invitation letter to support your visa application or entry into the United States if you wish to participate in person at the Bloomington Opera Camp™. However, participants are solely responsible for managing their own visa arrangements and ensuring they meet all travel requirements.

It is also important to note that no cancellations or refunds of the registration fee will be possible under any circumstances, including failure to obtain a visa or entry approval to the United States. Therefore, we strongly encourage international participants to resolve all visa- and travel-related matters before registering for in-person options.

Premiere dates may shift at the sole discretion of the premiering and performing entities (Bloomington Opera Camp™ and allied orchestras) to uphold artistic standards and ensure the overall sustainability of the production and the entities.

The core of the Opera Camp™ program is to secure the sustainability of the performing arts experience — a goal achieved by making sure that every single stakeholder is thoughtfully considered and meaningfully included in the process. This includes not only the composers, librettists, and illustrators, but also the performers, creative teams, production staff, communities, and partner organizations.

Therefore, if a change in the premiere date becomes necessary to protect the full sustainability of the program and allied entities and to secure the greatest benefits for everyone involved (including composers, librettists, and illustrators), the change will be carefully considered and communicated. Any adjustments will be shared with all interested parties well in advance to ensure transparency and collaborative planning.

The Performing Arts Laboratory, Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vásquez, and Opera Camp™ have been forging strategic partnerships with orchestras around the world, including professional ensembles, university orchestras, and community orchestras, to secure additional performances of each opera's overture. These performances are planned for the two seasons following the opera's premiere at Bloomington Opera Camp™, providing the selected composer and librettist with greater exposure, more professional contacts, and valuable portfolio growth.

We are proud to confirm the Partner Orchestras and Entities confirmed to date:

- The Americas Chamber Orchestra (Bloomington, IN, USA)

- Santa Monica Symphony (Santa Monica, California, USA)

- Mississippi Symphony Orchestra & Premiere Premier Orchestral Institute (POI)(Jackson, Mississippi , USA) - Orquesta Sinfónica (Nacional) Juvenil de El Salvador (San Salvador, El Salvador) - Orquesta Municipal de José C. Paz (José C. Paz, Argentina)

- Orquesta Sinfónica de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Bogotá, D.C., Colombia)

The team is finalizing additional agreements with other partner orchestras and entities (that needed more time to approve the alliance with their own internal constituencies), as well as actively seeking new partners to enrich the experience and visibility of participating artists. The official list of confirmed entities, along with their logos, will be updated on the program's official website (as well as in this FAQ) as soon as each partnership is fully confirmed.

This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and meaningful professional development for all involved artists.

PS: If you are a leader of an Orchestra or Performing Arts Entity (or part of one), and you wish your organization to be part of this international movement for the construction of a truly sustainable artistic experience (in its artistic, financial, social and ecological dimensions), becoming a Co-Commissioning entity and receiving all the benefits of this alliance, contact us to evaluate your profile: solutions@performingartslab.com

Opera Camp™ Composition & Libretto Program Policies

Creation Model — Co-Create for Global Impact

By joining this program, you’ll become part of a unique, award-winning creation and performance system: CommunityOperaScores™ + Opera Camp™, developed by Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vásquez. This innovative model brings together professionals, students, and communities to break down barriers in opera creation — producing works that combine artistic excellence with meaningful social impact.

The opera will be a Joint Venture (17 U.S.C. § 101) between:

• You (the selected composer, librettist, or illustrator)

• Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vásquez (Concept Creator & Artistic Director)

• The PAL-Productions creative team

You will benefit from the direct mentorship and guidance of Maestro Barbosa-Vásquez and PAL Productions, who will support you on:

• Original concept and artistic direction

• Plot and character development

• Musical structures, leitmotifs, orchestration, and more

Copyright & Licensing — Protecting and Promoting Your Work

Your opera will be co-authored by you, Maestro Barbosa-Vásquez, the PAL team, and your fellow co-creators. This ensures the work is professionally managed and promoted as part of the CommunityOperaScores™ catalog, giving it the best chance for international exposure and long-term success.

What this means for you:

• You’ll always receive full credit and can showcase the opera in your portfolio and CV.

• All licensing, rental, or sales will be managed by CommunityOperaScores™ or designated partners — saving you from administrative burdens while protecting the work’s integrity.

• Individual licensing rights are not granted to co-creators to ensure unified, professional handling of the opera’s future.

Confidentiality is key:

All drafts, materials, and internal communications are private and may not be shared without written approval — this protects everyone’s creative contributions and ensures a coordinated release strategy.

Royalties — Sharing in the Opera’s Success

• Composer: 20% of net income generated by the opera

• Librettist: 10% of net income generated by the opera

• Illustrator: 10% of net income generated by the opera

• Royalties are paid annually and apply to the specific components you co-create during the program.

• The opera’s core structure (plot, characters, pedagogic models, etc.) is pre-designed to support your success, and royalties tied to those components are retained by the program and are not part of the previous descriptions.

Opera Production & Premiere — A Professional Showcase

Your opera will be premiered by Bloomington Opera Camp™ and/or its affiliates, tailored to the artistic goals and levels of that year’s participants.

Opera Premiere and overture performing dates may shift (at total discretion of the premiering and performing entities (Bloomington Opera Camp™ and allied orchestras/entities) as needed to maintain the highest artistic standards and program and entities sustainability — ensuring your work is presented at its best.

Premiere of the Overture by Allied Orchestras As part of our commitment to broad visibility and artistic impact, the overture of the opera created through the program will be premiered by professional, academic, and/or community orchestras worldwide. These premieres are coordinated in collaboration with our network of allied institutions and represent a shared effort to promote the sustainability of orchestras globally.

• Confirmed orchestras that have committed to premiering the overture will be publicly listed on the official website as they are finalized.

• All overture performances will be scheduled and confirmed directly by the orchestras in coordination with CommunityOperaScores™, ensuring both the artistic integrity of the work and alignment with each institution’s mission and calendar.

• To boost reach and Opera momentum, CommunityOperaScores™ will grant performing license free of charge for the allied orchestras for these first performances (free license for only 1 concert per orchestra).

These international premieres provide the selected composer and librettist with a unique opportunity to gain multiple performances and expanded exposure across diverse audiences.

Confidentiality & Professional Integrity

As part of the second phase of the application process, selected finalists will sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before any interview covering all shared materials, information, protocols, models, and tools. This ensures fairness and protects both the finalists (who may ultimately not be selected) and the innovative ideas behind the program, allowing everyone to work with confidence and security.

Participation & Tuition Support

The program is fully online, with weekly sessions to ensure maximum inclusion and flexibility running from October to March. The program tuition varies based on the role you are accepted:

• Opera Master Level:

  • Composer ($30k) / Librettist ($15K) / Illustrator ($15K) - Comes with Full Tuition Remission

• Opera Master Level:

  • Composer ($15k) / Librettist ($7,5K)  / Illustrator ($7,5K) - Comes with Full Tuition Remission

• Opera Apprentice Level:

  • Composer, Librettist & Illustrator: $6k - Payment in installments is available

Participation in person at the Bloomington Opera Camp™

• The Opera Camp™ Composition and Libretto Program fees includes full tuition for participation in the two-week Bloomington Opera Camp™. (For more details, please review the updated information on the official website.)

• Participants cover their own housing, meals, and travel — with guidance provided on affordable options.

• Participation at the Bloomington Opera Camp™ is optional and non-compulsory if travel is not feasible you can join virtually for mentorship.

• Please note: Applications and tuition are non-refundable once accepted, as this helps the program maintain its commitments.

Fairness & Final Decisions

• All jury decisions are final and confidential, with only winners names publicly announced (along probably with supported applicants, even if they are not selected).

• To protect applicant dignity and privacy, detailed feedback, rubrics, or juror identities will not be shared.

Our Promise: Advancing Opera Together

By joining, you contribute to an opera that will be professionally guided, premiered, and promoted, while supporting a model of inclusion, collaboration, and opera as a living art form.

Policy Updates and Limitations:

The Composition & Libretto Opera Camp™ Program operated by the Performing Arts Laboratory (PAL), reserves the right to revise, update, or modify any aspect of its published policies, guidelines, or program characteristics at any time and at its sole discretion, without prior or additional notice. The information provided in the present policies is for general, informational purposes only and does not constitute the complete or final version of the Program’s governing rules. The full and binding policies applicable to participation in the Program are made available exclusively to individuals formally selected as winners. By continuing with the application or participation process, applicants and finalists acknowledge and accept that such updates or modifications may occur and that the Program shall not be held liable for reliance on any prior versions of these policies.