Robert Paterson (Composer). Hailed by the press as "one of the major contenders in American music" and "creative powers working on a higher plane", Paterson has been played by many outstanding ensembles including the Louisville Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra, New York New Music Ensemble, Da Capo Chamber Players, and the Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire. Notable honors include the Aaron Copland Award, Brian Israel Prize, a Meet the Composer League of American Orchestras Music Alive Residency, and numerous awards from ASCAP and the American Music Center. Fellowships include the MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, Aspen Music Festival and the Atlantic Center for the Arts. Degrees from Cornell University (DMA), Indiana University (MM) and the Eastman School of Music (BM). Founder and Artistic Director of the American Modern Ensemble, Paterson resides in New York City with his wife, Victoria, a violinist, and their son Dylan. Website: www.robpaterson.com.

David Cote (Librettist). Opera: Fade with composer Stefan Weisman (world premiere London 2008). Plays: Vicarious (commissioned by Gingold Theatrical Group, 2008); Legion (2009). Theater Editor of Time Out New York and contributing critic on NY1’s On Stage. Freelance reporting and arts commentary for The New York Times, Opera News, the Guardian, the Times (UK), Salon, WNYC and other media outlets. His popular companion books to Broadway hits include Wicked: The Grimmerie, Jersey Boys and Spring Awakening: In the Flesh. Frequent essayist for the Best Plays Yearbook series. Fellowships: the MacDowell Colony. B.A. Bard College, 1992. Cote was born, adopted and raised in New Hampshire. Blog: histriomastix.typepad.com.