Barbara Ann Peters “Write Your Own Opera” Contest

Congratulations, Samantha Dustman!

2025 Winner of the Barbara Ann Peters “Write Your Own Opera” contest.

Samantha’s story, The Key to All Colors, won the hearts of our judges. When the music vanished, so did the color—now two girls must bring the melody back to save their world. 🎶

Synopsis:

Jolie discovers a mysterious library filled with vibrant books and maps, where a golden flute rests at the center of the room.

When the flute suddenly disappears, all the color drains from the town, leaving everything gray. Teaming up with a girl named Calista, Jolie discovers that the flute holds the power to sustain color and life in their world.

They learn that the librarian and his friend, Amber, have stolen the flute.

After retrieving and returning it to its rightful place, the town’s colors are restored brighter than ever, revealing the flute as the key to all color and balance in their world.

The Key to All Colors

Jolie discovers a mysterious library filled with vibrant books and maps, where a golden flute rests at the center of the room.

When the flute suddenly disappears, all the color drains from the town, leaving everything gray. Teaming up with a girl named Calista, Jolie discovers that the flute holds the power to sustain color and life in their world.

They learn that the librarian and his friend, Amber, have stolen the flute.

Thank you, VanderVeen Photographers, for providing all of our Opera at the Carolina images.

After retrieving and returning it to its rightful place, the town’s colors are restored brighter than ever, revealing the flute as the key to all color and balance in their world.

The Clockmaker’s Secret

The Disappearance

In the bustling town of Horologia, renowned for its intricate timepieces, the master clockmaker, Maestro Tempus, suddenly vanishes. His two apprentices, the meticulous Livia and the adventurous Marco, are left bewildered.  The townspeople panic as the grand clock in the town square, essential for synchronizing daily life, starts losing time. Among the concerned citizens is Elara, the major’s daughter, who has long admired Maestro Tempus’s work. Desperate to restore order and find their mentor Livia and Marco join forces with Elara. They suspect foul play and begin their search, unraveling clues that hint at a hidden adversary jealous of the maestro’s unmatched skills.

The Hidden Rival

Their elaborate investigation leads them to the abandoned tower on the outskirts of town, where they discover san elaborate workshop. Inside, they encounter an old journal revealing the existence of Tiberius, a former apprentice of Maestro Tempus, exiled for unethical practices. Driven by envy and ambition, Tiberius kidnapped Tempus to force him into revealing the secrets of a legendary perpetual clock. As the apprentices confront Tiberius a struggle ensues. Elara, using her wit and courage, distracts Tiberius, Tiberius’s design, causing the rival’s machines to collapse around them.

The Restoration

With Tiberius defeated, Maestro Tempus explains that the true perpetual clock is a MYTH, a symbol of the relentless pursuit of perfection. He praises Livia and Marco for their bravery and ingenuity, recognizing them as true successors. Together, they return to Horologia and repair the grand clock, restoring harmony to the town. The citizens rejoice as the clock strikes accurately once more, celebrating the apprentices’ heroism. Elara, inspired by the adventure, vows to support and protect the clockmaker’s grand legacy. The opera concludes with a grand celebration, the bonds of friendship and mentorship stronger than ever, as the town of Horologia ticks forward in unity and peace.

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Watch the video interviews below with 2023 winner Austin Hayes and 2015 winner Elisa Troncoso!