Dulcinea XL

A new opera about karma, body image and mistaken identity

( World premiere)

Composer Juan J. Colomer offers a new take on the classic tales of D. Quijote. Through a series of humorous situations, timeless issues like self-acceptance, karma, mistaken identity, body image and honor take central stage in this new opera. A mixed cast of up-and-coming and seasoned professional singers, supported by LA Grand Ensemble’s world-class musicians and conducted by Ignazio Terrasi, will bring this opera to life for the first time in semi-staged concert version.

About the opera:

This delightful modern opera gives the audience a wide variety of emotions: it makes you laugh and cry and feel compassion.

The composer and author of the libretto, Juan J. Colomer, focused on two chapters of the novel – the meeting of Don Quixote with the ugly peasant woman whom his squire presents to him as the beautiful and noble Dulcinea, and the episode in which our hero’s confusion gets exploited by a couple of sophisticated fiends, the Duke and the Duchess. The composer’s choice is not accidental. In a world where there is no love, Don Quixote makes up its ideal incarnation: Dulcinea. Selflessly and naively he serves the ideal of his own creation. The images that arise from his imagination are more powerful than the gross truth of life. One of the messages we read from Juan J. Colomer’s opera is that in our days it may be more honest to remain crazy and lonely than to be normal by common standards. It takes courage to live in an imaginary world, believe in ideals and stay true to your fantasies.

The music of Dulcinea XL carries a hint of Spanish flavor, a tribute to the land of Cervantes that radiates with subtle humor. The musical language of the opera is new, fresh, sharp and juicy. The orchestra sounds colorful and rich. This composition is very emotional, filled with wonderful musical themes and melodies.

Cast:

Xavier Prado as D. Quixote

Milena Gligić as Sancho

Melissa Treinkman as Dulcinea

David Castillo as Merlin

Camila Lima as The Duchess

Dancers: Meg Murphy & Katelyn Sanchez

Costume Designs by Swinda Reichelt

Choreography by Lorin Johnson

Special Video Animation by Sergio Arau

LA Grand Ensemble conducted by Ignazio Terrasi