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Writing Opera and the Law: A Legal Primer for Composers and Librettist


Led by Entertainment Lawyer James Kendrick

With ALT’s Lawrence Edelson, Founder/Artistic & General Director, American Lyric Theater; Barbara Hogenson, Agent and Founder, The Barbara Hogensen Agency; James M. Kendrick, Esq., Partner, Alter, Kendrick & Baron LLP; Peggy Monastra, Senior Promotion Advisor, G. Schirmer, Inc.; Ralph Sevush, Esq., Executive Director of Business Affairs & General Counsel for The Dramatists Guild; and Justin Werner, Artist Manager and Founder, Strategem Artists

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This is a two-part seminar occurring on the following dates:
Part I: Saturday, April 17, 2021 @ 4pm – 6pm ET
Part II: Sunday, April 18, 2021 @ 4pm – 6pm ET


Composers and librettists need to know their rights, and they need to understand the law. In this two-day seminar taught by James Kendrick, one of the country’s leading intellectual property lawyers who has specialized in music publishing and advising creatives in the opera industry for over 30 years, composers and librettists will receive an understandable overview of intellectual property law and the issues surrounding the creation and of new operas. Among the subjects covered will be:

  • Collaboration agreements

  • Commission agreements

  • Writing works on spec

  • Working with publishers, agents and managers

  • Commission fees and royalty splits

  • Copyright 

  • Billing to ensure equal recognition for composers and librettists

  • Issues related to adaptation and the public domain, including how to tell if something is or is not in the public domain, and the grey areas in between

  • Life rights 

  • How to obtaining the rights to adapt a work that is not in the public domain

Artists will leave this course with a better understanding of their rights, and how to navigate the legal issues surrounding creating new works. All participants will also be provided with a resource package including sample contracts and other resources.