Wartburg College senior Hanna Peterson presented her research on gender and sexuality within two modern operas at the National Opera Association’s 2023 conference in Houston, Texas, earlier this month.

As a part of her music therapy studies, Peterson also researched how the operas, “Sweets by Kate” and “As One,” highlighted the LGBTQIA+ experience.

“I wanted to introduce these two operas more into the scholarly discourse, and for people to look at performative identity at being whatever they want it to be. I wanted people to see through a different lens on how we perceive the people around us and how we carry ourselves as a society,” said Peterson.

“Sweets by Kate” is a dark comedy following two lesbian bakers and their journey navigating their hometown and the obstacles of running a family bake shop. “As One” tells the story of an individual transitioning from male to female.

“I chose to research these operas because they were both things that people hadn’t seen before. They both tell stories that not everyone has experienced, but are important experiences to understand,” said Peterson.

Peterson also combined her love for research and her degree in music therapy to create a recital lecture and used that same research for the conference in Houston.

“So much is changing with how gender identity is being seen, and so much is changing through the LGBTQ+ lens, so it’s interesting to be a part of that discourse. There’s not always an understanding of those experiences that is being shared, so it’s fun to put that out into the world,” said Peterson.