Join the Friends of Everlasting Faint

In February 2026, Madison Opera is presenting the world premiere of Everlasting Faint, with music by Madison composer Scott Gendel and libretto by Sandra Flores-Strand.

The opera is based on the true story of the Greenbrier Ghost. In 1897 in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, a young woman named Zona Heaster Shue was pronounced dead of natural causes – the “everlasting faint” that was a dismissive diagnosis for women’s deaths. Soon thereafter, her ghost appeared to her mother to tell her she had been killed by her husband. Zona’s body was exhumed based on this testimony, and her husband was found guilty of murder.

Scott Gendel and Sandra Flores-Strand took this real story and, in the best operatic tradition, expanded it.  Everlasting Faint is part ghost story, part true crime story, and part the story of mother’s love for her daughter, as she pursues justice on her behalf.

This is the first world premiere Madison Opera has presented since 1993, making it a significant step in the company’s artistic portfolio. Directed by Keturah Stickann (Salome, Rusalka) and conducted by Stephanie Rhodes Russell (The Marriage of Figaro), the production features a wonderful cast, the Madison Opera Chorus, and the Madison Symphony Orchestra.

A world premiere is no small undertaking, as every aspect of the opera, from musical scores and orchestra parts to sets and costumes must be created in Madison.  Please join the “Friends of Everlasting Faint” to help bring this wonderful opera to life.  Every gift matters and will help this opera get to opening night on February 13, 2026.

Benefits of becoming a Friend of Everlasting Faint

All gifts will be listed in a special section of the Everlasting Faint playbill

$150+
An invitation to a reception and preview of Everlasting Faint on October 12, 2025, which includes a performance of excerpts from the opera, a discussion with composer Scott Gendel, a preview of the scenic design, and delicious food and drink.

$250+
An invitation to the opening night party to celebrate this world premiere on February 13, 2026. (Tickets to the opera itself are not included). If you attend the opera on Sunday, we will send you a drink coupon, so you can raise a glass at intermission!

$500+
Everlasting Faint poster signed by the composer, librettist, and cast.

$1,500+
An invitation to the final dress rehearsal on February 11, 2026.

$2,500+
Everlasting Faint piano vocal score signed by the composer and librettist.

$10,000+
An invitation to attend the sitzprobe, which is the first time the singers and orchestra perform the score together in a rehearsal room.