POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has announced that noted composer Tom Cipullo is the winner of the 2018 Domenic J. Pellicciotti Opera Composition Prize, following the competition finals, which were held last weekend.

Cipullo was selected as the recipient of the prize for his new opera, "Mayo."

Cipullo also wrote the libretto for the new work, which tells of America's tragic infatuation with eugenics in the early 20th century.

Based on a true story, the opera 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.

"'Mayo' is a gripping story that cries out for music, and, in its evocation of a person seen as an outsider by society, perfectly fulfills the mission of the Pellicciotti Prize," said selection panel member and Pulitzer Prize-winning librettist Mark Campbell.

Cipullo will receive a $25,000 commission to complete the new work, which will premiere in November 2018 with a full production at The Crane School of Music by the award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble and Orchestra.

The Domenic J. Pellicciotti Opera Composition Prize was founded by Dr. Gary C. Jaquay '67 to honor his life partner, Domenic J. Pellicciotti, an ardent fan of opera.

The award seeks to encourage and acknowledge the creation of new opera works that explore themes related to tolerance, inclusion or the celebration of diversity. The Pellicciotti Prize is awarded every four years.

During the recent competition finals, the Crane Opera Ensemble joined with Crane faculty artists to present commissioned scenes from each of the four finalists in a public performance on Sept. 24. The other finalists included "Albert Nobbs," composed by Patrick Soluri, with libretto by Deborah Brevoort; "The Reef," composed by Anthony Davis, with libretto by Joan Ross Sorkin, and "Uncovered," composed by Lori Laitman, with libretto by Leah Lax.

Noted American dramaturg Cori Ellison worked with the composers and librettists chosen as finalists, and will continue to collaborate with Cipullo as he completes his opera project.