Beth Ratay, a professional faculty member and composer for the department of music at The University of New Mexico, has been awarded the 2025 Discovery Grant from OPERA America’s Opera Grants for Women Composers program. The $100,000 grant will be split equally amongst the eight awardees.
Since 1970, OPERA America has been fostering a community around the shared enjoyment of opera. Its mission is to support the creation and presentation of new opera and music theater works.
“I am so honored to be among the eight fantastic composers chosen for this year’s grants,” she said. “This project had its first seed over 10 years ago, and I am so excited that I will have the opportunity to complete the project in New Mexico, collaborating with local musicians and UNM faculty.”
Ratay’s project, The Morpheus Quartet, is a collaboration with librettist John Glore. It explores the subconscious dreams of a string quartet, where each member experiences a unique dream that reflects their desires and fears. Combining these individual stories into a collective piece illustrates how each artist brings their own experiences and influences to the performance to impact the overall sound and meaning. Her project will culminate in a working performance reading in the spring of 2026.
Ratay teaches classes, such as theory and composition, at UNM. Through her courses, she is able to share her extensive expertise with her students. She also collaborates with Santa Fe Opera’s educational initiatives, where she focuses on sharing her love of opera with children across New Mexico.
“The Discovery Grants program has been instrumental in promoting gender parity and diversity in opera, by supporting the development of new works by women composers,” said Michael Hix, professor and department of music chair. “Dr. Ratay’s recognition highlights not only her talent but also The University of New Mexico’s commitment to fostering innovation in the arts.”
To learn more about Ratay’s work and teachings, visit https://music.unm.edu/faculty/beth-ratay.
