MM candidate Jake Runestad was recently awarded a full fellowship to attend the John Duffy Composer Institute at the Virginia Arts Festival from May 30 to June 12. The Institute is an opportunity for composers to have their original opera scenes workshopped by professional musicians and work closely with acclaimed composers. Runestad’s new opera, with libretto by double degree student Elizabeth Reeves, will be workshopped at the event. This year’s faculty composers are David Lang, Libby Larsen, Bernard Rands, John Musto, and John Duffy.