Program notes
This miniature opera is based on the true story of a popular democratic leader in Venezuela, imprisoned on February 18, 2014, after calling citizens to protest peacefully against widespread injustice. Leopoldo López was placed in a high-security prison and charged with attempting to overthrow the regime in power, as well as for being a charismatic opposition figure for a desperate and discontented people.
After more than three years in prison, he was transferred to house arrest, only to be taken again from his home by SEBIN (Bolivarian Intelligence Service) agents and briefly returned to Ramo Verde Prison. During his earlier incarceration, visits were extremely limited; for long stretches, he was isolated and denied contact with the outside world.
The opera focuses on an imagined visit from his wife, Lilian, just days after his arrest. She is his emotional center and support. Their encounter takes place in a climate of uncertainty and doubt—were they trapped with no way out? In this compressed moment, love and faith become their most precious resources. Although the story is drawn from a specific place and time, it echoes many other couples throughout history who have faced persecution and captivity.
— Efraín Amaya
Instrumentation, duration & materials
Original ensemble: Soprano, baritone, clarinet in B♭, bassoon,
trumpet in C, percussion, piano, violin, viola, cello.
Orchestral version: Soprano, baritone, 2/2/3*/3* – 4/2/3/1 –
timpani & 2 percussion, piano, strings.
Duration: ca. 5:00 (mini-opera).
- Lilian & Leo — 2014 (soprano, baritone & orchestra), miniature opera in one scene.
- Performance materials are available on rental only; see the Rental & Licensing page and the pill below for details.
This video can also be viewed on YouTube.
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