Brooke deRosa ’01’s ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’ Enjoys World Premiere at Carnegie Hall DeRosa composed the music for the opera based on the short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

By Jessica Luck
March 14, 2025

“Looking back, W&L gave me not only the education I needed but also the mindset — one that values curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking and artistic exploration.”

~ Brooke deRosa ’01

“The Yellow Wallpaper” opera, with music by composer Brooke deRosa ’01, premiered Jan. 31 at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Based on the short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman published in 1892, the opera centers on themes of isolation, repression and psychological unraveling, and deRosa says the opera format “allows the music to heighten the tension, illustrate the protagonist’s descent and give voice to thoughts she’s forbidden to express, making for an immersive and haunting theatrical experience.”

“I’ve always been passionate about the horror genre, and horror opera in particular,” she said. “There’s something about the heightened emotions and dramatic intensity of opera that makes it the perfect medium for psychological horror.”

With the libretto by Diana Farrell, artistic director of Lyric Opera of Orange County, Los Angeles-based composer deRosa approached the composition process by analyzing the emotional beats of each scene. Some sections had sweeping melodies; others needed more dissonance and tension. Her goal was for the music to feel like an organic extension of the text while adding layers of subtext and psychological depth. In addition to composing the music, deRosa performed in the opera as one of three vocalists alongside a six-piece chamber orchestra.

“Experiencing this opera performed in Carnegie Hall was absolutely incredible,” she said. “That space has such a rich history, and knowing that some of the greatest musicians in the world have played there made it all the more meaningful. There’s an energy to that hall — a sense of legacy and excellence — that elevates everything. It was a rare and powerful moment to not only hear my work performed in such a legendary space but to actively contribute to it as well. It’s an experience I’ll always cherish.”

DeRosa said her time at W&L was incredibly formative for her career. By being in a small town with few distractions, she was able to really focus on her craft, explore ideas freely and develop a strong artistic voice, she said. A theater and music double major, she said music gave her the technical foundation and theater gave her a deeper understanding of dramatic storytelling, which have been “invaluable” to her career in composing operas, where music and drama are intertwined.

And her professors were key in shaping her as an artist, as they encouraged her to experiment and take creative risks while she refined her skills.

“The experience of performing, composing and collaborating within such a supportive environment helped prepare me for the professional world, where adaptability and creative problem-solving are just as important as technical skill,” she said.

DeRosa’s diverse career has allowed her to explore different aspects of music across theater and film. “We Can Do It,” a musical about Rosie the Riveter, premiered this week at Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. And one of her biggest recent projects was writing the music for “The Merry Gentlemen,” a 2024 Christmas romantic comedy on Netflix.

As a performer, she’s sung on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” and as a conductor, she’s worked with artists including Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton. No two projects are alike: One day she might be composing music in complete solitude, and the next, she’s in rehearsals, conducting an orchestra or working with singers in the studio.

“Whether it’s opera, film, theater or any other medium, my goal is always to create something that resonates emotionally and leaves a lasting impact. Music has such a unique power to connect people, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do this as my career,” she said. “Looking back, W&L gave me not only the education I needed but also the mindset — one that values curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking and artistic exploration. That foundation continues to influence everything I do today.”

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