The Music Critics Association of North America has announced that the opera 10 Days in a Madhouse is the winner of the 2024 Award for Best New Opera. Music alumna Rene Orth ’07 composed the music for 10 Days, which was commissioned by Opera Philadelphia and Tapestry Opera and had its world premiere in 2023.
Orth has received many honors for her music, which has been described as dramatic, reflective, innovative, and lyrical. Piano was her music concentration at Rhodes. In addition, she is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music (D.M.A.), University of Louisville (M.A.), and MediaTech Institute (Diploma).
While a student at Rhodes, she also was president of the Honor Council and a member of the jazz ensemble, women’s basketball team, and Ultimate Frisbee team.