Work of the Week – Gregory Spears: Sleepers Awake

Picture this: the magic kiss happens, the entire court wakes up after centuries of slumber—and instead of being grateful, everyone is just grumpy. In his newest opera Sleepers Awake, premiering on April 22, 2026, at Opera Philadelphia, Gregory Spears dives into that awkward, un-fairytale-like moment. He draws inspiration from the subversive "Sleeping Beauty" play by Swiss writer Robert Walser. In this version, waking up isn't a rescue; it’s an annoyance.

Spears has carved out a unique space for himself in the opera world. He’s known for blending Baroque structures with a minimalist flow that feels both ancient and incredibly modern. In Sleepers Awake, this style evolves into a labyrinthine soundscape. The music reflects a broken, cyclical world, echoing the court’s desire to slip back into their long sleep. It’s a haunting, sonic maze where melodies seem to repeat and fade, mirroring the characters' resistance to the "real" world.

Sleeping Beauty with a twist: Gregory Spears' Sleepers Awake

The world premiere in Philadelphia brings together a top-tier creative team. Music director Corrado Rovaris, a master of both classic bel canto and contemporary scores, leads the production. Director Jenny Koons is set to bring her innovative vision to the stage, capturing the existential irony of Walser’s text and the atmospheric depth of Spears’ music. Together, they are crafting an experience that challenges our ideas of time and narrative.

The title Sleepers Awake definitely tips its hat to Bach, but the vibe here is entirely different. While the traditional call is to wake up and be ready, Spears explores the comfort of the dream state. It’s a beautiful, melancholy look at a society that prefers the quiet of the past to the noise of the present.

Learn more:

• Gregory Spears: Composer Profile

• Work Details: Sleepers Awake (Score & Media)

• Event Details: Opera Philadelphia

• Video for “Sleepers Awake”