Director-Designer Prize for Breaking the Waves | Opera America Magazine

EXPLORE THE MAGAZINE & MORE

Explore the pages of Opera America Magazine, as well as other publications and resources, about the American opera field. Read & Explore Now

Read the Summer 2026 Issue

Explore Opera

50 Years of Opera OA Onstage Oral History Project

Attend Opera

National Opera Calendar Opera Passport Discounts World Opera Day

Join to Subscribe Support OPERA America

Resources

Explore Industry Resources

Are you part of the opera industry? Discover reporting, trends, analysis, and tools on all aspects of the opera field. All Industry Resources

Understanding Opera's New Audiences

Key Issues

Civic Practice Governance Newcomer Research Racial Justice

Discover

Advocacy Arts Education Business & Research OA Magazine

Programs

Regional Meetings

Upcoming

Essentials of Opera Governance Regional Meetings Opera Conference

Events

Conferences & Webinars OPERA America Onstage

Services

Grants & Awards Leadership Development Artist Development Magazine & Publications Databases

By Audience

Administrators Artists Trustees Educators Appreciators

Get Involved

Member Directory

Membership

Membership Overview Member Directory Affinity Groups Advocacy Jobs in Opera

OPERA America

Support Us About Us Press Room Community Guidelines

Become a Member Donate Today

Rental Space

National Opera Center

OPERA America's National Opera Center is a communal home for opera and the performing arts in New York City. Make it your place for recitals, rehearsals, recordings, and more. Learn More & Rent Now

Rental Spaces

Performance & Recital Spaces Rehearsal Spaces & Practice Rooms Event Spaces Recording Studios Audition Spaces Meeting & Conference Spaces Studio Happy Hours

About the Opera Center

Rooms & Rates Services & Amenities Visitor Information FAQ

Rent Space Today Become a Member

Article Published: 18 Jul 2026

Director-Designer Prizes 2025: Breaking the Waves

A new production concept for the opera Breaking the Waves (Missy Mazzoli, composer; Royce Vavrek, librettist) uses layered, translucent fabric to represent the Isle of Skye’s mysterious nature — its thick fog and crashing waves — as protagonist Bess McNeill struggles to reconcile her religious ideals with her love for her new husband.

This article was published in the Summer 2026 issue of Opera America Magazine.