FULL COMPUTING VENUS (Timothy Takach) Poughkeepsie NY 2026 Eden Bartholomew, Beatrix Postley, Sarah Dworman, Grace Finke

Information on the Performance

• Work Title: Computing Venus   
• Composer: Takach Timothy   
• Libretto: Caitlin Vincent    Libretto Text, Libretto Index
• Venue & Opera Company: Martel Theater, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York 12604  
• Recorded: January 2026
• Type: Staged Opera Live
• Singers: Eden Bartholomew, Beatrix Postley, Sarah Dworman, Grace Finke, Marc Molomot, Michael Hofmann, Danny Allan, Delaney Eiland, Ada Lovelace, Mia Ryan, Magda Sharff, Eva Weiner
• Conductor: Christine Howlett  
• Orchestra:
• Stage Director: Christopher Grabowski, Drew Minter  
• Stage Designer: Tania Barrenechea  
• Costume Designer: Kenisha Kelly  
• Lighting Designer: Lee Anne Meeks  

Information about the Recording

• Published by: Vassar  
• Date Published: 2026  
• Format: Streaming
• Quality Video: 4 Audio:4
• Subtitles: yessubs, ensubs  

• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS PERFORMANCE

  An opera in one act inspired by the life of Maria Mitchell

  Winner of the Dominic J. Pelliciotti Opera Competition Prize

  The award-winning opera Computing Venus (2024) provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of astronomer Maria Mitchell (1818–1889), a groundbreaking historical figure who paved the way for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in America. Two years later, she became one of the first women to work for the federal government as an astronomer, when she was hired to calculate the positions of Venus in the heavens for the U.S. Nautical Almanac Office. From 1865 on, Mitchell focused on cultivating the next generation of women astronomers as the first female professor of astronomy at Vassar College. By the 1870s, however, Mitchell saw a growing backlash against women in science. Focusing on Mitchell’s struggles against shifting public opinion, Computing Venus highlights one woman’s efforts to ensure a lasting scientific legacy, even as movements outside her classroom threatened to close the world of science to women forever.

  Scene Breakdown:
  PROLOGUE
  1847. Nantucket, Massachusetts.
  Gazing at the night sky from the roof of her home in Nantucket, Maria Mitchell discovers a comet.

  SCENE ONE
  1878. The Observatory at Vassar College, New York.
  The newest class of astronomy students at Vassar College anxiously waits for Maria Mitchell to arrive. Comparing bits of gossip about the famous woman astronomer, the girls eagerly anticipate the start of their studies. John Raymond and Maria Mitchell enter, and Maria immediately outlines her expectations for the class. Inspired, Mary, Sarah, and Ida aim to become her top students.

  SCENE TWO
  Boston, Massachusetts / Vassar College, New York.
  In a speech to the New England Women’s Club, Dr. Edward Clarke outlines the dangers of educating young women at college. Back at Vassar, John Raymond shows a copy of Clarke’s speech to Maria Mitchell, who shrugs off Raymond’s concerns. Meanwhile, Mary, Sarah, and Ida work on their latest astronomy assignment.

  SCENE THREE
  1878. Denver, Colorado.
  Maria Mitchell and her astronomy class arrive in Colorado to observe the solar eclipse. Under Maria’s guidance, Mary, Sarah, Ida, and the other Vassar students successfully track the eclipse, despite being the only women among the pool of astronomers. As the others celebrate, Maria and Mary share a moment of vulnerability.

  SCENE FOUR
  Boston, Massachusetts.
  Edward Clarke announces the publication of his new book, which further rails against educating young women, particularly in the sciences. Learning of Maria Mitchell’s influence at Vassar, Clarke decides to target her and publicly insinuates she poses a danger to the young women in her care. Alarmed, a group of parents write letters of concern to John Raymond.

  SCENE FIVE
  JOHN RAYMOND’s office at Vassar College, New York.
  John Raymond informs Maria Mitchell of the complaints he has received from parents who don’t want their daughters in Maria’s astronomy class. Maria offers to resign, but Raymond refuses. Instead, he urges her to publicly respond to Clarke’s claims.

  SCENE SIX
  The Observatory at Vassar College, New York.
  Ida tells Mary and Sarah she has just received a letter from her parents warning her about Maria Mitchell. Maria enters and soon gets into an argument with Mary, who insists on trying to defend her against the rumors. Aware of how her relationship with Mary is being perceived, Maria attempts to separate herself from the younger woman and accept her role as a symbol for women in science.

  SCENE SEVEN
  Boston, Massachusetts.
  Maria Mitchell finally confronts Edward Clarke in a public debate in Boston. While Maria attempts to counteract his claims with facts and science, Clarke expertly manipulates public opinion against her.

  SCENE EIGHT
  The Observatory at Vassar College, New York.
  Maria Mitchell enters her classroom for her daily astronomy lecture but finds a number of empty seats, including those of Sarah and Ida. Mary enters, but only to say goodbye: she is leaving as well. Bereft, Maria finds the strength to continue her work with the students who remain.

  EPILOGUE
  The Observatory at Vassar College, New York.
  Gazing at the night sky from her classroom, Maria Mitchell looks for another comet. In the distance, Mary, Sarah, and Ida search for their own comets as well.

   

   

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