SMTD OperaLab and the University Philharmonia Orchestra present a workshop of this stunning and timely new opera, The House on Mango Street. With music by Derek Bermel and a libretto by Sandra Cisneros, the piece is based on Cisneros' beloved novella of the same name. The House on Mango Street follows Esperanza – a Mexican-American girl coming-of-age in Chicago – and the colorful neighborhood that challenges and supports her.

We invite audiences of all ages to attend this workshop presentation, in advance of the opera's world premiere at the 2025 Glimmerglass Opera Festival. Derek Bermel and Sandra Cisneros will be in attendance, and the audience will have an opportunity to share their thoughts on the piece in a feedback session following the presentation.

Jayce Ogren, conductor
Chía Patiño, director