Learn more about this new opera prior to its world premiere at Glimmerglass Festival in July 2025. A coming-of-age classic, Sandra Cisneros’s The House on Mango Street has been acclaimed by critics, beloved by readers of all ages, taught in schools and universities alike, and translated around the world. Through a series of interactions, from fascinating to funny to frightening, the novel’s young female protagonist comes to understand that storytelling is the medicine she can offer her community—and herself. Cisneros, winner of the PEN/Nabokov Award for Achievement in International Literature, has teamed up with Grammy-nominated composer Derek Bermel for an opera inspired by her classic book.

Bermel and Cisneros will participate in a moderated discussion alongside Glimmerglass Festival Artistic and General Director Rob Ainsley and dramaturg Kelley Rourke. Excerpts from the opera will feature acclaimed soprano Mikaela Bennett, who will create the role of Esperanza for the premiere.

Spring 2025 Opera Series made possible by Eugene and Jean Stark.

Glimmerglass Festival. Photo: Karli Cadel