My project is a chamber opera based on the 1947 novel Gentleman’s Agreement, which is, at its root, an analysis of the relative social status of various white ethnics and their relationship to ethnically identified Jews who were perhaps, at that time, not quite “white” yet. My version throws African Americans into the mix—through the experiences of an interracial couple whose relationship falls apart while one person repeatedly watches the movie Gentleman’s Agreement. The principal musical challenge will be to find ways of writing for singers who have roots in both classical music and the ethnic musics attached to each character’s heritage. I am particularly looking forward to juxtaposing contrasting ethnic styles (in particular, techniques of vocal ornamentation) in a single aria or duet. While in Rome, I hope to connect with Italian musicians I know and present workshop concerts examining the ideas of the larger piece.