POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music will welcome the renowned composer Tom Cipullo to campus this week.

Cipullo will be at Crane to work with students and faculty on the upcoming world premiere of his newest work, "Mayo," which the composer has completed as the winner of the 2018 Domenic J. Pellicciotti Opera Composition Prize.

"Mayo" will be presented from Nov. 8 to 11 by the Crane Opera Ensemble and Orchestra, in a production directed by Dean Anthony. Based on a true story, "Mayo" follows the life of Mayo Buckner, who was committed to the Iowa Home for Feeble-Minded Children at the age of eight, and forged a life of quiet dignity and meaning while living there for the next 60 years.

Cipullo is spending the week attending opera rehearsals to work with the cast, which includes Crane School of Music alumna Lisa Vroman '79, soprano, and guest artist Ben Edquist, baritone. Vroman, a renowned Broadway star and opera singer, will play the role of Miss Goodrich, while Edquist will play the title role.

Cipullo will lead an open masterclass focusing on his vocal works, with five groups of student singers and pianists, on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m., in the Sara M. Snell Music Theater.

The highlight of the visit will be a special faculty recital dedicated to Cipullo's music, to be held on Thursday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m., also in Snell Theater. Cipullo and poet Robert Cole will be the honored guests for the performance.

This concert is free, and the public is invited to attend.