On Site Opera is set to debut Laura Kaminsky and David Cote’s new opera, “Lucidity,” from November 14-16, 2024.

The premiere will be held at the Abrons Arts Center, with additional performances planned for Seattle. Sarah Ina Meyers will direct the opera, and Geoffrey McDonald will conduct. The piece was created as a showcase for 80-year-old soprano Lucy Shelton, who stars as Lili. The cast also features Blythe Gaissert as Dr. Claire Klugman, Cristina María Castro as Sunny, and Eric McKeever as Dante.

Described as a moving and immersive chamber opera, “Lucidity” explores the intersection of music and memory loss. It focuses on four individuals participating in a music therapy trial for dementia, touching on themes of love, sacrifice, and art’s healing potential.

David Cote expressed in a press release, “’Lucidity’ is a deeply personal look at how music can connect us despite cognitive decline. Creating this work has been both creatively fulfilling and emotionally cathartic, and I hope it has a profound impact on audiences.”

Kaminsky added, “The opera reflects both the quest for clarity and the light that music can bring.”

Additionally, on September 17, there will be a panel discussion at The Interchurch Center in New York. The event will feature soprano Renée Fleming and neuroscientist Dr. Michael Shadlen, who will join the opera’s creators to discuss how music relates to memory and the effects of music therapy on memory recall.