Park City Opera · July 18 & 19, 2026
Follow the story, scene by scene.
Aaron Copland's opera takes place over a single summer day on a farm in rural America. Read the synopsis below and take a listen to the music that accompanies each moment.
The Opera Spans One Day
Click any scene to read what happens and listen along. Click a character's name to learn more about the role.
On a farmyard in the west, Laurie's younger sister Beth daydreams about her future as their mother, Ma Moss, reflects on her duty to the family. Mr. Splinters, the postman, arrives with a parcel containing Laurie's graduation dress, and is invited to the evening's graduation celebration. Before departing, he warns Ma Moss of two drifters recently seen in town, whom he suspects may be criminals.
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Left alone, Ma Moss examines the dress and reflects on how Laurie's graduation fulfills a dream she herself never realized. She and Beth go inside to prepare for the festivities.
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Laurie returns from school, pausing at the fence to reflect on how quickly time has passed and to dream of life beyond the farm. When Ma Moss scolds her for being late, Laurie voices her frustration with the rigid constraints of her life – especially Grandpa Moss's refusal to treat her as an adult. Their argument escalates until Ma Moss strikes her, immediately recoiling in shock. Laurie promises to behave at her graduation party that night, and to avoid upsetting her grandfather for "just one more day." They go inside to prepare.
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Two drifters, Top and Martin, enter the yard. Laurie is initially wary, but becomes captivated by their stories of life beyond the farm.
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When Grandpa Moss returns, Laurie introduces him to Top and Martin. Though suspicious, Grandpa Moss agrees to hire them to help with the harvest, and Laurie persuades him to invite them to the party. Ma Moss remains uneasy, convinced they may be the criminals Mr. Splinters had described. Meanwhile, Top privately expresses interest in pursuing Laurie, while Martin cautions restraint.
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As preparations for the party continue, the family reflects on the promise of work, community, and love.
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Neighbors gather to celebrate Laurie's graduation. The atmosphere is lively; Top's appetite and charisma amuse the guests, and toasts are made in Laurie's honor. When Laurie gives a speech, her uncertainty about the future is evident, but her concerns are brushed aside as the festivities continue with music and dancing. Amid the celebration, Ma Moss shares her suspicions about the drifters with Mr. Splinters, who leaves to fetch the sheriff.
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Top entertains the crowd with songs and stories, while others attempt to coax Grandpa Moss into dancing.
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Laurie and Martin share a dance that deepens into an immediate and profound connection. They slip away to the porch, where Martin resolves to stay, settle down, and build a life with her, and they confess their love.
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Laurie and Martin's moment is interrupted by Grandpa Moss, who reacts with fury. Ma Moss openly accuses Top and Martin of being criminals. Mr. Splinters returns with news that the suspects have already been apprehended in a neighboring county, but Grandpa Moss remains unconvinced. He abruptly ends the party and orders the drifters to leave at once, ignoring Laurie's pleas. When she insists on being heard as an adult, he curses her.
The guests disperse. Grandpa Moss declares that Top and Martin must leave at daybreak.
Restless, Martin calls to Laurie from the yard. She joins him, expressing her deep dissatisfaction with life on the farm and begging him to take her with him when he leaves. He agrees, and they reaffirm their love and plan to depart together at dawn.
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Martin shares his decision with Top, who reacts with alarm. Fearing pursuit and the loss of their freedom, Top persuades him to leave Laurie behind. Though conflicted, Martin ultimately yields, and the two men depart before sunrise.
At daybreak, Laurie emerges, exhilarated and ready to begin her new life. When she realizes Martin has broken his promise, she collapses in grief. Beth and Ma Moss try to comfort her, urging her to focus on her graduation, but Laurie remains distant. Abandoning both her graduation and the life she has known, she leaves the farm.
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Left behind, Ma Moss turns to Beth and begins to imagine her younger daughter's future.
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Park City Opera · America at 250
The Tender Land
Sung in English · Complimentary light bites · Cash bar