36-year-old composer Ellen Reid has won the Pulitzer Prize in Music for her opera p r i s m, which explores sexual assault and survival.
The winning piece has been described as a “bold new operatic work that uses sophisticated vocal writing and striking instrumental timbres to confront difficult subject matter: the effects of sexual and emotional abuse” by Pulitzer judges.
The operatic work features Reid’s music set to a libretto by Roxie Perkins, a collaboration which was co-produced and commissioned by the Beth Morrison Projects.
p r i s m premiered 29th November 2018 at REDCAT for Los Angeles Opera’s Off Grand series.
p r i s m saw the Tennesse-native become the first composer to have a world premiere in all four of Los Angeles’ major classical music institutions: the Los Angeles Philharmonic, L.A. Master Chorale, L.A. Chamber Orchestra and L.A. Opera.
With her win, Reid becomes the fourth women to win the Pulitzer Price in Music.
Yesterday’s ceremony also saw Aretha Franklin win a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for her contribution to music.
Franklin received the Pulitzer Prize Special Citation honour, becoming the first female performer to receive the accolade since its conception in 1930.
Photo via James Matthew Daniel
