Works & Process Presents Of One Blood Co-Commissioned by the Santa Fe Opera
About
Works & Process presents musical excerpts and discussion with the creators of the Santa Fe Opera’s latest co-commission and co-production, Of One Blood, by Brett Dean and Heather Betts on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 7PM at the Peter B. Lewis Theater, 1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10128. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased at https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/guggenheim/3515/event/1477001/
Though buried side by side in Westminster Abbey, Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots—cousins “of one blood”—never met in life. Their intertwined reigns ignited a ruthless clash of faith and power that culminated in Mary’s execution by Elizabeth’s command. Drawing exclusively from the queens’ own letters, poems, and speeches, composer Brett Dean and librettist Heather Betts trace their rivalry in Of One Blood.
Before the opera’s American premiere at Santa Fe Opera in 2027, join the creators for a conversation about the work and hear arias. All are invited to continue the conversation at a reception in the rotunda.
More About Of One Blood
Of One Blood marks the second installment in a series of American premieres at the Santa Fe Opera and is presented as part of an international co-commission and co-production consortium led by the Bavarian State Opera. Of the May 10 world premiere, the Financial Times wrote, “A tale of Elizabethan intrigue makes a thrilling 21st century opera…with a pungent, propulsive score and gutsy singing, this world premiere at the Bayerische Staatsoper deserves to be heard widely.”
Exploring dynastic power, religious division and contested legitimacy through the story of two royal cousins – Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I – whose claims to authority are shaped by blood and belief, the work closes the Santa Fe Opera’s 2027 Season with a contemporary examination of political and spiritual authority.
Directed by Claus Guth, the creative team from the world premiere in Munich returns for the Santa Fe production. 5 performances are scheduled: July 31; August 4, 13, 18, 26, 2027. Visit santafeopera.org for tickets and information.
Works & Process Lead Donors
Lead funding provided by AG Foundation, Stuart H. Coleman and Meryl Rosofsky, Adam and Abigail Flatto, Christian Humann Foundation, Leon Levy Foundation, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Tino and Rajika Puri, Stephen Kroll Reidy, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Denise and Andrew Saul, The Evelyn Sharp Foundation, and The SHS Foundation.
Additional support provided by Jody and John Arnhold, Jeff and Susan Campbell, Cate Caruso, Paul Cronson, Lucy and Philip Dobrin, Elizabeth Sharp Edens and Wes Edens, The Fanwood Foundation, Bart Friedman and Wendy Stein, Nina Matis, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts, Leon Polsky, Caroline M. Sharp, Randall Sharp, The Shubert Foundation, and Eugene and Jean Stark.
Works & Process is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
About Works & Process
Works & Process supports creative process from studio to stage so that performing artists can create with dignity. We produce fully funded residencies and present behind-the-scenes events that blend artist discussion and performance highlights. Our events go beyond the stage, so that audiences can spectate, participate, and continue the conversation at hosted receptions.
Each year, Works & Process produces more than 25 creative residencies with over a dozen partners in seven states. These out-of-town residencies provide 24/7 studio access, on-site housing, access to health insurance enrollment, industry-leading artist fees, and a transportation stipend to facilitate uninterrupted creative process. In over 100 Works & Process residencies, supporting over 1,000 artists, incubated works have gone on to receive awards, grants, and tour nationally—and internationally, with the U.S. State Department.
Beyond Guggenheim New York, we also partner with organizations across New York City, including 92NY, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Jerome Robbins Dance Division, and Free Food Refettorio Harlem. During the fall, we curate and present free outdoor dance programs with Manhattan West.
Works and Process, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID: 13-3592291
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