It’s official: William Blake’s Inn was not selected as one of the three finalists in the National Opera Association’s Chamber Opera Competition. Well, I didn’t think it would be. It’s not really an opera, number one, and number two, the opera world, especially the one based in Canyon, TX, is not especially imaginative. And number three, Inn‘s orchestra requirements approach Mahlerian, which is not exactly “chamber.” I think they were thinking piano and string bass.

This is a biennial competition, so maybe by next time I will have on hand something more competitive. This is something I know I can do. The other day, while my lovely first wife was out running errands, I set the Apple TV to play all my music just for the thrill of seeing it on a screen. Sort of like seeing it actually performed. In a sad way.

Anyway, it was set on shuffle, and every now and then a piece from Am Südpol, denkst man, ist es heiß came up. This is the “penguin opera” that I wrote for the Köln Opera’s children’s opera competition back in 2004, and I must say that it still holds up. Some very nice stuff in there.

So, once I clear my table (cello sonata and AFO, I’m looking at you), I may finally tackle Simon’s Dad, a project I’ve had in mind for years and years now. It’s a story by de Maupassant, and it’s a lovely story. You should go find it and read it. My challenge will be to limit the number of players and vocalists, because these competitions all want like three singers and eight players.

Getting back to the NOA rejection, I have to say that I had forgotten all about it. I almost didn’t open the envelope; I thought it was a fund-raising appeal. I was startled to remember that I had submitted anything. I wonder which competition will surprise me next?