I had never heard of writer Ann Patchett until my wife kept urging me
to read this novel someone had lent her, 'Bel Canto'.  When she told me
it was about an opera star it piqued my interest.  I was not disappointed.
I even figured out which current diva the main character, Roxane Coss,
is based on (Renee Fleming).  But, more than that, I was engrossed and
read it in two sittings.  Then, I heard a rumor that Ann Patchett was
herself writing an opera libretto.  Hmmm, interesting, I thought, so I
went looking on the Web, and found this note at the website of ArtsWire:

   "Aaron Jay Kernis' opera for Santa Fe is also his first opera.
   It will be based on the novel, BEL CANTO by Ann Patchett.  'The
   story describes a gala birthday party being given to honor a
   Japanese industrialist in an unnamed South American country,
   rebels enter the house and take the guests hostage.  As the story
   unfolds, what happens to both the guests and the terrorists in
   their ensuing days of captivity is revealed,' the Santa Fe Opera
   notes."

Aaron Jay Kernis is one of the hottest youngish American composers
currently working.  And he is certainly capable of setting dramatic
and lyrical melodies to set off the operatic plot of this grand book.

Scott Morrison