Tod Machover's latest opera premiered at the Houston Grand Opera in April and May 1999. It was Machover's first opera for traditional operatic forces, including ten solo singers, chorus, and orchestra. In addition, special keyboard-based hyperinstruments were developed to allow rich and sophisticated electronic sounds to be blended with the performers in the pit and on stage during the entire 2.5 hour performances. In addition, experiments were conducted to distribute electronic sound via multiple small, high-quality loudspeakers, placed in the pit with the orchestra. The result was an enhanced opera that sounded acoustic and physical while extending the sonic and dramatic expression of the operatic medium.