CARAVANA DE MUJERES (in progress)

Mar 14

A new evening length comic opera looking for co-commissioners and co-producers. Existing support from MassOpera and Opera America Repertoire Development Grant.

Music: Nicolás Lell Benavides
Libretto: Laura Barati

Length: 90-120 minutes (30 minutes existing)

Cast: 4 women, 3 men

Forces: chamber (4 instruments) and pit orchestra (TBD) versions planned.

Musical styles: Operatic/Latin jazz & dance music (cumbia, bossa nova, tango, bachata, bolero, etc…)

Language: English, with some Spanish

Synopsis:

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.

Already on a bus to the country, Luz is horrified to learn that her niece, Natalia, has not only booked a trip to the wrong town, but to a place she’s avoided for six years: her ex-fiancé’s hometown. Natalia is shocked to learn that Luz was engaged to farmer Juan Antonio until his 83-year-old mother disapproved of his engagement to an immigrant. Juan Antonio is at that night’s event, hoping to see Luz. As Luz faces the farmer that got away, Natalia is forced to confront her prejudices about her aunt’s aspirations for romantic connection. CARAVANA DE MUJERES is an earnest comedy that explores the very human desire for love and companionship while also diving into the fascinating larger social dynamic between Latinx immigrants and native Spaniards.

Looking for co-commissioners and co-producers. Existing support from MassOpera and Opera America. If you are interest in being a part of this new work, please write me or my manager Owen Summers (owen@summersartistservices.com) and we would be happy to share details!

For a perusal PV and/or chamber score of existing material, please write me (NicolasBComposer @ gmail)

Photos from various recording sessions, performances, and rehearsals of five songs from Caravana de mujeres in Boston and at Opera America in New York City.

The protagonist Luz (mezzo-soprano) argues with her niece Natalia (soprano) about the merits of finding love later in life, and the sacrifices she made as matriarch bringing her family from Colombia.
Opera+Bossa Nova+Cumbia influences. Sung by Suzanna Guzmán and Cynthia López Olaya

Recipient of an Opera America Repertoire Development Grant, 2022: https://www.operaamerica.org/get-involved/about-us/press-room/2022/opera-america-announces-the-2022-recipients-of-repertoire-development-grants/

Press releases:

https://operawire.com/massopera-operahub-select-caravana-de-mujeres-for-new-opera-workshop/

https://www.broadwayworld.com/boston/article/MassOpera-OperaHub-Announce-Selected-Work-For-New-Opera-Workshop-20210520

Caravana-Cast-and-Orchestra-OA-NWF-1.2023.png

Caravana-@-OA-New-Works-Forum-January-2023.png

Inés (soprano), a confident woman with no inhibitions, reveals her repressed past and why she shamelessly enjoys life to the fullest now in her later years. With opera chorus. Opera+tango+cumbia influences.
Sung by Amanda Batista

A very shy Juan Antonio (baritone) realizes the love of his life, Luz, is at the party. After a painful split years ago where he broke up with her because his mother did not approve of him dating an immigrant, he wants to leave but his friend Francisco (tenor) convinces him to stay and reveal his feelings for Luz.

Sung by Brian Church and David Rivera Bozón