Austin Opera to Premiere Bilingual Opera ‘Ofrenda’ in New Venue

Austin Opera has announced the premiere of its commissioned opera, Ofrenda, a bilingual narrative exploring themes of love and loss, set to open its new Butler Performance Center in Austin, Texas, in October 2026. This 90-minute chamber opera is the result of a three-year effort to elevate Latinx voices in the arts, featuring music by Jorge Sosa and a libretto by John de los Santos, and is inspired by the traditions of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

The story centers on Macaria, a hospital custodian who encounters death, personified by a character named Señora. Through her kindness, Macaria is bestowed with the power to heal, but as Sosa notes, “the price for such power will eventually catch up with her.” This poignant tale, described by Sosa as a blend of hospital procedural drama and magical realism, aims to resonate deeply with audiences.

The opera’s journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when Sosa sought to create a work that emphasized healing and celebrated essential workers. The themes of remembrance and connection are particularly relevant in Austin, where over one-third of residents identify as Hispanic or Latinx.

Creative Collaboration and Community Impact

An initial duet from Ofrenda, featuring soprano Leah Crocetto and mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams, premiered at the Celebrate Opera! event last November. A workshop for the complete opera is scheduled for July 2026, followed by the full symphonic score to be added before its world premiere at the Butler Performance Space, which seats 180.

Austin Opera’s General Director and CEO, Annie Burridge, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I cannot think of a more ideal work to help us open the Butler Performance Center than Ofrenda, which has grown right here in Austin through Jorge and John’s work in the Residency for Latinx Creatives.” The opera is not only a celebration of artistic innovation but also a reflection of the community’s rich cultural diversity.

Claudia Chapa, Austin Opera’s curator of Hispanic and Latinx programming, emphasized that the narrative resonates profoundly within the local community. She noted that the opera embodies the ties that bind families and cultures across generations, offering shared experiences that foster understanding and connection.

A New Cultural Hub in Southeast Austin

The Butler Performance Center, located at 5811 Trade Center in Southeast Austin, is designed to serve as a cultural hub for the community. The facility will include four rehearsal halls, indoor-outdoor spaces, and 300 parking spots to accommodate local events. This project is part of Austin Opera’s Inspire 2030 campaign, aimed at enhancing the cultural landscape of the region.

Funding for Ofrenda comes from the Butler Fund for Spanish Programming, which supports Austin Opera’s Spanish residency program. The organization collaborates with the Mexican Consulate for various shows and community programming, reinforcing its commitment to cultural representation and diversity in the arts.

As anticipation builds for the premiere of Ofrenda, Austin Opera continues to highlight the transformative power of opera, aiming to inspire empathy and bring people together across cultures through this innovative production.