Rachel J. Peters

Composer/librettist Rachel J. Peters is intent on demystifying the process of bringing new operatic and music theatre works to fruition. Recent highlights include works premiered by Caramoor, Virginia Arts Festival, Fort Worth Opera, Sarasota Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Arctic Chamber Music Festival, and Albany Symphony. Her libretti for operas co-written with composer Lisa DeSpain are published by E.C. Schirmer. She is frequently an artist in residence for educational new works initiatives including Vanderbilt University, Oberlin Conservatory, Brigham Young University, Marymount Manhattan College, and soon at Princeton University’s Atelier. Rachel is a proud alumna of fellowships and residencies with New Dramatists Composer-Librettist Studio, American Opera Project, John Duffy Institute, Yaddo, Millay Arts, and many others. She serves on committees for the Dramatists Guild and National Opera Association. Rachel holds a double B.A. summa cum laude from Brandeis University and an MFA from New York University.

Parallel to her creative activities, Rachel worked for 12 years at Boosey & Hawkes, licensing thousands of works for live concert and staged performances throughout North and South America. She has also worked behind the scenes in executive recruiting within and outside the arts.