Having recently completed two works for percussion ensemble, video, and tape, I am now embarking on the quest to create a contemporary opera. Several definitions of opera can be found: "Opera is a drama set to mus. to be sung with instr. acc. by singers usually in costume." - Classical Archive . "Opera is a story told through song." - Boston Lyric Opera "Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back and instead of bleeding, sings." - Ed Gardner (funny music quotes) Traditionally, opera follows a libretto (text -a linear storyline), has extravagant costumes and scenery, and the music plays an integral part of the entire drama unfolding. The music can consist of arias, trios, duets, entire choruses, etc. Some famous traditional opera composers include Puccini, Bizet, Britten, Wagner, Verdi, Monteverdi...the list goes on (You can read more HERE .) George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess: However, with the advent of the late 20th century, the definition of opera ...