I’m looking forward to being at Opera America’s conference in Memphis where I will be joining the closing panel! Below you will see my opera projects, including those in progress, some sheet music, and performance samples. If you are interested in collaborating then please don’t hesitate to reach out: NicolasBComposer@gmail.com
DOLORES (2025)
Music by Nicolás Lell Benavides
Libretto by Marella Martin Koch.
Drama. 120 minutes
Forces: 7 principals (mezzo-soprano lead), opera chorus, 16 instrumentalists
Commissioned by West Edge Opera, San Diego Opera, Opera Southwest, and BroadStage. Premieres August 2, 10, and 16 2025 in Oakland, CA.
CARAVANA DE MUJERES (in progress)
Music by Nicolás Lell Benavides
Libretto by Laura Barati
Comedy. 90-120 minutes
Cast: 7 singers (4 women, 3 men)
Inspired by a real Spanish matchmaking service that uses day trips to the countryside to help Latina immigrants meet rural Spanish farmers at speed dating events, CARAVANA DE MUJERES follows Luz, a Colombian immigrant in her sixties, as she searches for love and companionship.
Looking for co-commissioners/co-producers. Current support from MassOpera and Opera America (Repertoire Development Fund)
PEPITO (2019)
Music by Nicolás Lell Benavides
Libretto by Marella Martin Koch.
Comedy. 22 minutes.
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Bass
Commissioned by the Washington National Opera at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and first produced at the Kennedy Center during the 2018/19 season.
TRES MINUTOS (2022)
Music by Nicolás Lell Benavides
Libretto by Marella Martin Koch.
Drama. 45 minutes.
Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Baritone
Tres minutos was commissioned by Music of Remembrance (Mina Miller, founder and artistic director) and made possible by a generous award from the Clovis Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
for Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Bass, and Piano. Can be performed in this configuration.
Duration: 22:00
Commissioned by the Washington National Opera at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and first produced at the Kennedy Center during the 2018/19 season.
This score is for study or concert performance only (ie recitals or auditions.) If you would like to perform Pepito as an opera (either piano/vocal or full orchestra) then please contact Owen Summers with Summers Artist Services for Grand Rights negotiations and pricing. (owen@summersartistservices.com)
Published by Buena Vida Music.
#BVM1017
ASCAP: 896057173 (for non-staged music performances)
for Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Bass, and Orchestra. Study score only (no parts).
Duration: 22:00
Commissioned by the Washington National Opera at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and first produced at the Kennedy Center during the 2018/19 season.
This score is a study score. If you would like to perform Pepito as an opera (either piano/vocal or full orchestra) then please contact Owen Summers with Summers Artist Services for grand rights negotiations and pricing. (owen@summersartistservices.com)
Published by Buena Vida Music.
#BVM1017
ASCAP: 896057173 (for non-staged music performances)
for Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, and Piano.
Duration: 45:00
Tres minutos was commissioned by Music of Remembrance (Mina Miller, founder and artistic director) and made possible by a generous award from the Clovis Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. FIRST PERFORMANCES: May 15, 2022 at the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall, Seattle, WA, and May 22, 2022 at the Presidio Theatre, San Francisco, CA.
Subsequent co-production with San Diego Symphony and Music of Remembrance as part of the inaugural Currents Series.
This score is for study or concert performance only (ie recitals or auditions.) If you would like to perform Tres minutos as an opera (either piano/vocal or full orchestra) and/or request a perusal score to do so then please contact Owen Summers with Summers Artist Services for Grand Rights negotiations and pricing. (owen@summersartistservices.com)
Published by Buena Vida Music.
#BVM1018
ASCAP: 915926776 (for non-staged music performances)
for Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, and Sextet. Study score only (no parts).
Duration: 45:00
Tres minutos was commissioned by Music of Remembrance (Mina Miller, founder and artistic director) and made possible by a generous award from the Clovis Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. FIRST PERFORMANCES: May 15, 2022 at the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall, Seattle, WA, and May 22, 2022 at the Presidio Theatre, San Francisco, CA.
Subsequent co-production with San Diego Symphony and Music of Remembrance as part of the inaugural Currents Series.
This score is for study or concert performance only (ie recitals or auditions.) If you would like to perform Tres minutos as an opera (either piano/vocal or full orchestra) and/or request a perusal score to do so then please contact Owen Summers with Summers Artist Services for Grand Rights negotiations and pricing. (owen@summersartistservices.com)
Published by Buena Vida Music.
#BVM1018
ASCAP: 915926776 (for non-staged music performances)
