The annual “Opera of the Year” award, organized by Place de l’Opera, invites readers to vote for the most outstanding opera production presented in the Netherlands during 2025. This year, the shortlist includes five productions, among them “Second Love,” a double bill featuring Gerald Barry’s “La plus forte” and Jan-Peter de Graaff’s “Hagar,” performed by the Nederlandse Reisopera.
Jan-Peter de Graaff, a Dutch composer born in 1992, has been active in the field of modern classical music, specializing in orchestral and chamber music as well as opera. His previous works include “De Grens” (2018), a chamber opera set during World War I, and “De Synode” (2019), which commemorated the 400th anniversary of the Synod of Dordrecht.
“Hagar,” de Graaff’s latest opera, was commissioned by the Nederlandse Reisopera and premiered in 2025. The overture of “Hagar” is described as a “fiery deep dive into the inner workings of a fine dining restaurant, seasoned with passion, grit, and edge.” This production was paired with Gerald Barry’s “La plus forte” under the collective title “Second Love,” offering audiences a compelling exploration of complex human relationships.
The “Opera of the Year” award reflects the diversity and richness of the Dutch opera scene, highlighting productions that have made significant artistic contributions. Voting is open until December 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with the results to be announced on January 2, 2026.
Composers in the crosshairs of our attention