Humanity ends; Earth transforms.
Help support THE RIDDLE, a new opera by composer Tamar Muskal and librettist/stage director Daniel Kramer
As the human race travels beyond the boundaries of the Heavens itself, so shall our mythology need to travel new distances to speak to the myth of modern man. THE RIDDLE examines the Biblical myth of Hagaar, Isaac and Sarah from tomorrow’s perspective: as the entitled inhabit space and a suffocating earth, what will the common man and woman do to survive.
After years of writing vocal music of all kinds, I’m proud to say that I have completed my first opera: THE RIDDLE, a two hour opera calling for political and social justice through a surrealistic story both humorous and devastating.
The opera has seven vocalists, children's chorus, beatboxer, frame drum player, soundtrack and chamber ensemble. The piece brings together musical elements which I am most passionate about: beautiful heart breaking tonal melodies, mysterious atonal sonority, edgy electronic music and fascinating sound effects by a beatboxer; all these are assembled to bring life to the brilliant and sensual libretto by Daniel Kramer, an opera and theater director and the former artistic director of the English National Opera.
In April 2026, THE RIDDLE receives a recording workshop produced by AOP at the DiMenna Center. The workshop participants include luminaries from the Metropolitan Opera, Silkroad Ensemble, a multi-International Grand Beatbox Champion, and the sound designer from Francis Ford Coppola's latest film MEGALOPOLIS.
I’m honored to have received a grant from Opera America that will go towards the development of this new opera, however we are still far from the entire budget for the workshop at the prestigious Cary Hall we need and hope for your help. In return we guarantee that your support will help create this unique, fascinating, sensual and important work.
We'll save a seat for you on April 2, 2026 4:00 PM ET at the DiMenna Center, 450 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018.
American Opera Projects is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.
Here are ways you can join us:
Donate a cash gift now using the link above or send us a check to
138 South Oxford St., Suite 1C, Brooklyn, NY 11217.
We also welcome donations in the form of Zelle or Paypal, linked to info@aopopera.org
Donate a non-cash gift: An IRA, stock transfer, or a Donor Advised Fund transfer.
Create a legacy today with American Opera Projects: We know that cash donations might not be right for everyone. Giving a gift in your will is a powerful commitment to new opera for generations to come.