New Year is a British opera in three acts with music and libretto by Sir Michael Tippett.
As with Tippett's other operas, the text and music encompass a widely eclectic range of cultural references.
Jo Ann is a child psychologist who wants to work with young victims of the urban conflict going on in "Terror Town" outside of her domicile.
Out of nowhere, a spaceship emerges, carrying Merlin, a "computer wizard", and the pilot Pelegrin, under the leadership of Regan.
Jo Ann saves Donny from the beating crowd, and the act ends to the sounds of the traditional song "Auld Lang Syne".