I am a Brooklyn-based composer and librettist who creates operas, chamber works, and music-theatre pieces. My work spans writing and composing for soloists, ensembles, and large companies, plus teaching and developing new programs with universities and arts organizations. I thrive on collaborations with performers and partners to bring new voices to the stage, and I balance artistic creation with education, licensing, and program development. I’m passionate about mentoring emerging artists and expanding opportunities for women and diverse creators in contemporary opera and musical theatre.

Rachel J. Peters

I am a Brooklyn-based composer and librettist who creates operas, chamber works, and music-theatre pieces. My work spans writing and composing for soloists, ensembles, and large companies, plus teaching and developing new programs with universities and arts organizations. I thrive on collaborations with performers and partners to bring new voices to the stage, and I balance artistic creation with education, licensing, and program development. I’m passionate about mentoring emerging artists and expanding opportunities for women and diverse creators in contemporary opera and musical theatre.

Available to hire

I am a Brooklyn-based composer and librettist who creates operas, chamber works, and music-theatre pieces. My work spans writing and composing for soloists, ensembles, and large companies, plus teaching and developing new programs with universities and arts organizations.

I thrive on collaborations with performers and partners to bring new voices to the stage, and I balance artistic creation with education, licensing, and program development. I’m passionate about mentoring emerging artists and expanding opportunities for women and diverse creators in contemporary opera and musical theatre.

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Language

German
Beginner
Italian
Beginner
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Visiting Lecturer at Princeton University Lewis Center for the Arts
January 16, 2025 - May 31, 2025
co-teacher of musical theatre course The Year That Never Was: Devising a Holiday Special
Manager, Programs and Initiatives at Composers Now
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Oversee overlapping in-person and online programs: IMPACT video series, world premieres of new commissions by emerging female composers; Dialogues free community concerts; annual flagship Festival Kickoff; expansion to new cities; identify new artists; curate diverse repertoire; manage contracts with artists and venues; coordinate grant writing and PR; edit copy for public materials.
Associate Director of Grand Rights Licensing at Boosey & Hawkes
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2017
Sole contact for licensing repertoire for opera, dance, and theatrical performances throughout the Americas; obtain clearances from composers and estates; synchronize licensing for audiovisual recordings; collaborate with legal on multi‑tier contracts including Met Opera Live in HD; analyze trends in programming for Promotions.
Rental Library Manager at Boosey & Hawkes
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2012
Oversee administration of over 15,000 orchestral and operatic works for rental to 11,000 orchestras, opera companies and ballet companies across the Americas; manage staff; ensure timely processing; resolve escalated issues; update library layout; propose capital improvements; liaise with Editorial to maintain stock currency; prepare quarterly rental data reports; serve on MOLA Joint Publishers Committee; assist accounts receivable.
Rental Librarian at Boosey & Hawkes
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2007
Oversee administration of rental orders; manage staff; ensure timely processing; resolve escalated issues; update stock and acquisitions; coordinate with Editorial; client services and reporting.
Music Department Internship at New York City Center Encores! Series
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004
Assisted Music Department, supporting Encores! Series productions; helped with scores, library, and performance preparation.
Music Librarian / Musical Theatre Faculty at New School of Music
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2003
Librarian and faculty in musical theatre; taught courses; supervised rehearsals.
Visiting Lecturer at Princeton University
January 1, 2025 - Present
Atelier and Lewis Center for the Arts; The Year That Never Was: Devising a Holiday Special with Michael R. Jackson; devising and teaching within an applied project.

Education

Double B.A. summa cum laude, Music and Theater Arts at Brandeis University
February 24, 2026 - May 31, 1999
MFA, Musical Theatre Writing at NYU Tisch School of the Arts
May 12, 2005
M.F.A. in Musical Theatre Writing at New York University Tisch School of the Arts
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2005
B.A. in Music and Theatre Arts at Brandeis University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1999

Qualifications

OPERA America Female Composer Discovery Grant 2022
June 30, 2023
No Ladies in the Lady's Book libretto published by E.C.Schirmer
December 31, 2019
Millay Arts Reisdency
December 2, 2022
Yaddo Residency
February 2, 2018
New Dramatists Composer-Librettist Studio Fellowship
February 28, 2010
American Opera Project Composers and the Voice Fellowship
August 31, 2012
John Duffy Institute for New Opera Fellowship
May 10, 2013 - March 31, 2019
Anna Sosenko Assist Trust Award
January 1, 2009 - February 24, 2026
OPERA America Female Composers Discovery Grant for Friday After Friday and Welcome to the Madness (with Leanna Kirchoff)
January 1, 2019 - February 24, 2026
OPERA America Female Composers Discovery Grant for Manor of Speaking
January 1, 2022 - February 24, 2026
National Endowment for the Arts and OPERA America Commissioning Grants for Rootabaga Country, Sarasota Opera
January 1, 2017 - February 24, 2026
Zepick Modern Opera Competition
January 1, 2021 - February 24, 2026
MAC John Wallowitch Award finalist
January 1, 2014 - February 24, 2026
Inaugural National Opera Association New Work Expo for Opera Creators exhibitor
January 1, 2024 - February 24, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services
    uniE608 Wild Beast of the Bungalow
    An operatic triptych by Rachel J. Peters and Royce Vavrek Based on and further inspired by Mermaid in the Jar by Sheila Heti World Premiere Production Commissioned by Elizabeth and Justus Schlichting for Oberlin Conservatory, January 2020 opera newopera composer femalecomposer
    uniE608 Companionship Trailer
    Music and Libretto by Rachel J. Peters Adapted from the short story by Arthur Phillips Presented by Virginia Arts Festival in collaboration with Norfolk State University Theatre Company Attucks Theatre, Norfolk, Virginia opera chamberopera nightofthelivingbread composer librettist
    uniE608 End of Opening Scene
    From Rootabaga Country an opera for children Music and Libretto by Rachel J. Peters Adapted from Rootabaga Stories by Carl Sandburg. Commissioned and Premiered by Sarasota Youth Opera youthopera childrensopera
    uniE608 Everything Makes Music
    From Sketchbook for Ollie An Opera for Children Rachel J. Peters, composer and librettist Adapted from the story Life is a Jar of Paint by Bill Folman Commissioned and Premiered by Lyric Opera of Kansas City opera childrensopera youthopera composer librettist musiceducation