STEAM at NYAM: A Night of Opera & Learning

Join us for the U.S. premiere of Brooklyn-based The American Opera Project’s Semmelweis, an opera inspired by the tragic story of Hungarian obstetrician Ignác Semmelweis (1818-1865), who discovered the cure for a devastating epidemic but could not convince the world of the simple solution; washing one’s hands. This first-of-its-kind event will weave together the incredible story of Dr. Semmelweis and its implication in today’s world through the arts, science, and public health. We will enjoy the 45-minute version of the opera and also hear from the Semmelweis composer Ray Lustig and NYAM Senior Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Elaine Larson about the development of this opera and the lasting impact of Dr. Semmelweis’ life and work.

There will be a wine and cheese reception after the event.

Speakers

Elaine Larson, RN, PhD, FAAN, CIC
Senior Scholar-in-Residence

Elaine Larson is Anna C. Maxwell Professor Emerita and Special Lecturer, Columbia University School of Nursing. She is a former Dean, Georgetown University School of Nursing. She is a Fellow in the National Academy of Medicine, Society for Healthcare Epidemiologists of America, Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, American Academy of Nursing, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 

Ray Lustig, DMA
Composer
American Opera Project

Composer Raymond J. Lustig’s ever-evolving work ranges from symphonic and chamber to technological, multimedia, and lately, theatrical. He has served as composer in residence with the Chamber Music Festival of Lexington, the Imagine Science Film Festival, and Copland House’s Compose Yourself project. A former researcher in molecular biology, Ray remains deeply inspired by science, nature, and the mind.

This event is made possible by generous support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Saraya Co. LTD., and Best Sanitizers, Inc.