A Witch. A Mayor. A Family. A Way Forward. Four New Operas. One Night
- Adminstration Admin
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 20
Additional Latinx voices featured in ¡Chicanísima! — June 27 at MACLA, San José
Opera Cultura is proud to present more than one opera on June 27. Alongside Carla Lucero's chamber opera ¡Chicanísima!, the program features arias from four works by Latinx composers and librettists — each one a window into the diverse, urgent, and deeply human stories shaping contemporary opera today.
Presented in an intimate voice and piano setting, these arias offer a rare and immediate connection between artist and audience.
Anam the Witch and Beatrice the Beautiful Composer: Mary Alice Rich | Librettist: Claudia Navarro Jameson
A fairy tale reimagined for the opera stage — a witch, a beautiful woman, and the duet between them. Originally designed for young audiences and grant-funded through Mu Phi Epsilon, this work brings an accessible, theatrical warmth to the program. 🔗 richstorymusic.com
A Song For All Composer: Rodrigo Camargo | Librettist: Marisa Adama Grady
Julia is eight years old and finally old enough to take voice lessons. But when she auditions for the town's only teacher, he rejects her — harshly. Hurt but not defeated, she finds encouragement in two new friends who help her rediscover the joy of singing and remind her that music belongs to everyone. This micro opera was commissioned by No Divide KC in partnership with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, composed by Brazilian composer Rodrigo Camargo — recipient of the National Opera Association's Dominick Argento Fellowship and a rising voice whose works have been heard at Carnegie Hall. 🔗 rodrigo-camargo.com
A Way Forward Composer: Laura Jobin-Acosta | Librettist: José Gabino Alba Rodriguez
Commissioned by Washington National Opera and premiered at the Kennedy Center in January 2024, this opera was praised by the Washington Post for music that gives its characters ease and vivacity. Composer Laura Jobin-Acosta is an inaugural recipient of the Opera America IDEA Residency. 🔗 laurajobinacosta.com
La Alcaldesa Composer: Laura Jobin-Acosta | Librettist: Sandra Flores-Strand
The story of Felisa Rincón de Gautier — San Juan, Puerto Rico's first female mayor, who served her city for 22 years. La Alcaldesa follows her imagined journey to leadership as a woman navigating a world that wasn't built for her. A story that resonates well beyond the opera stage. 🔗 laurajobinacosta.com/laalcaldesa
Join Us — June 27 at MACLA
¡Chicanísima! performs on Saturday, June 27 at MACLA, 510 S 1st St, San José — with two performances at 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM. Tickets are choose-your-price, starting at $10.
Come hear where Latinx opera is going.
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