Rene Orth is a composer that "breaks new ground" (Opera News), writing music described as “...always dramatic, reflective, rarely predictable, and often electronic” (Musical America). She recently completed her three-year tenure as Composer-in-Residence for Opera Philadelphia and was the inaugural Resident Composer at Opera San José during the 2022-23 season. 

Recent and upcoming commissions include works for Opera Philadelphia, Chautauqua Opera / Opera Memphis, Mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, Bass-baritone Zachary James, Soprano Emily Albrink, Del Sol Quartet and Orchestra 2001. Her work has been performed by a variety of opera companies and orchestras, including New World Symphony, Julliard Youth Symphony, Festival d’Aix en Provence, Fort Worth Opera, Washington National Opera, and Curtis Opera Theater.  She has collaborated with notable artists and ensembles such as Louisville Orchestra, Seraph Brass, Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, Mezzo-Soprano Daniela Mack Shrader and the Pennsylvania Ballet.