This contemporary piece centers on three distinct images, each pertaining to the terrible fates of Mariana Pineda, Spanish poet Federico García Lorca, and his muse and actress Margarita Xirgu. This mythical story is set during times of political unrest in 1969 Uruguay and 1936 Spain, ultimately stressing the importance of leaning on courage and humanity to maneuver conflict.

“Even in the deepest sorrow, the spirit of art remains unbroken,” shares Eastman's Octavio Cardenas. “As Garcia Lorca’s voice continues to echo through time, he passes the torch and teaches those who listen. Flowing like the ‘fountain of tears,’ his words remind us that we are never truly gone, for art endures beyond the pain of loss.”

Directed by Assistant Professor of Opera Octavio Cardenas and conducted by Associate Music Director of EOT Wilson Southerland, it will be sung in Spanish with English supertitles. Rochester audiences will get to witness this moving performance in the same season as its Metropolitan Opera debut in New York City, which took place last fall.

The opera is by Golijov and Hwang and will be sung in Spanish with English supertitles.