“A master composer” with a “sophisticated sound world” (Classical Voice North America) – writes music described as “always dramatic, reflective, rarely predictable, and often electronic” (Musical America). She was the inaugural Resident Composer at Opera San José in the 2022-23 season and recently completed a three-year tenure as Composer-In-Residence at Opera Philadelphia.  

This season, Opera Philadelphia presented the “triumphant world premiere” (Wall Street Journal) of 10 Day in a Madhouse, co-commissioned by Opera Philadelphia and Tapestry Opera. The New York Times writes, “opera needs works like “10 Days,” which treats the medium with affection and respect while also chafing at its tropes throughout history.” With a libretto by Hannah Moscovitch, this psychological drama follows the trailblazing reporter Nellie Bly through her internment at Blackwell's Asylum, exposing, as Bly did historically, notions of madness and societal biases against women. The opera, conducted by Daniela Candillari, starred Kiera Duffy, Raehann Bryce-Davis, and Will Liverman.  

Other projects include a commission for Vocal Arts DC premiering at The Kennedy Center, composing a song cycle for mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack; writing a new song, A Prayer, for baritone Will Liverman’s next album, which is a duet for him and mezzo-soprano J’nai Bridges, setting a Sara Teasdale poem; and writing an electronics and voice piece for mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis’ forthcoming debut album, Stand the Storm. The Chautauqua Institution also premieres Love, Loss, and the Century Upon Us (libretto by Jerre Dye) with a 13-piece orchestra, part of a larger work called A Summer Place.  

Distinctions include grants and awards from OPERA  America, the American Composers Forum, the Kentucky Foundation for Women, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Orth is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music. She received her M.M. in Music Composition at the University of Louisville and holds additional degrees from MediaTech Institute and Rhodes College. www.reneorth.com.