Random Opera Company has announced the winners for its New Works Competition.

The U.K.-based company announced that Evan Henry and John Klaess’ “Algorithims” was the jury’s choice. 

“‘Algorithims’ impressed the jury with a pertinent story that was told with humor and yet with deep sadness and musically, contained a strong sense of melodic line, dance-like rhythms and jazz inspired harmonies,” said Random Opera’s press release.

“John and I have actually been musing on and off for several years now about creating an opera together. So, when a friend of mine forwarded me a link to the competition, I messaged him on a whim asking if he wanted to do it. I pitched him the basic premise and, after a few rounds of back and forth, we had a writeup. Needless to say, I think winning came as quite a pleasant shock to both of us. We’re both really excited to be working on it, and we’re extremely grateful to have its premiere performed by such an inspired cast of musicians,” Henry said in a press release.

The piece will now be written to completion and is set to be performed live and filmed for streaming as part of Random Opera Company’s 2022 season.