David Patrick Stearns at the Philadelphia Inquirer selected the first full workshop of the opera Paul’s Case for his classical music ten best list for 2009.  Stearns praised its “solid dramatic timing, compassionate characterizations, and huge potential.” The opera by Gregory Spears based on a story by Willa Cather was presented in September by the Center City Opera Theater in our ConNEXTions: Next Generation of Opera initiative during the Philadelphia Fringe Festival.  The work is currently in development at American Opera Projects, having originated during AOP’s 2007-08 season of Composers & the Voice.  For more information and to follow the work’s development go to www.operaprojects.org.