The Last Dream of Frida and Diego | Gabriela Lena Frank

The debut opera by American composer Gabriela Lena Frank. A musical portrait of the famous Mexican painter couple Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, created to a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Neil Cruz. The work is infused with magical realism and constructed as an inverted myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

We follow Frida, performed by mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, as she leaves the underworld on the Day of the Dead and reunites with Diego, sung by baritone Carlos Álvarez. During this encounter, both briefly experience all the passion and pain of their love before parting from the world of the living.

The premiere is conducted by music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The new production, inspired by paintings by Frida and Diego, is directed by Deborah Colker, who is also the choreographer. The set and costumes were designed by Jon Bausor, with lighting design by Adam Silverman.

Cast: Catrina – Gabriella Reyes / Frida – Isabel Leonard / Leonardo – Nils Wanderer / Diego – Carlos Álvarez

Approximate duration: 2 hours 50 minutes (including one intermission)