sub rosa (2025) – soprano, tenor, prepared piano (15′)
*Commissioned by the Atlanta Opera for the 2025 NOW Festival
—————————–
sub rosa is a latin phrase that translates to under the rose, and was used to indicate that something was done in secrecy. Roses were often carved on confessionals to signify that the conversations within would remain secret.

What happens when the confession preludes the transgression? For the Reverend, facilitating confession is one of her sacred duties as the Mother of her congregation. This particular confession is hardly routine, as this parishioner is carrying quite a heavy burden—one that calls the Reverend to pit ethics and tradition against desire. In this scene, a series of previous confessions has led to this climax, where the priest and parishioner must make a choice. Will they maintain the privacy and separateness afforded to them by the sacred latticed screen, or will they make a decision that holds immeasurable implications?

---