Announcing the 2025-2026 cohort of Opera Camp™ Composition & Libretto Program - The Vanguard of Opera’s Future
- Diego Barbosa-Vásquez
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
BLOOMINGTON, IN – Dec 2nd 2025 – The Performing Arts Laboratory today officially unveils the six international creators selected for the highly competitive inaugural 2025-2026 cohort of the Opera Camp™ Composition & Libretto Program. Chosen from a staggering 425 applications spanning 68 countries (after more than 96k people reached globally), these composers and librettists represent the pinnacle of global talent, tasked with a singular mission: to co-create the future of opera.
The selection process was a rigorous, multi-stage review of artistic statements and proven work, culminating in a confidential interview round to protect the candidates' professional standing. The applicant pool was remarkably strong, featuring established professionals with premieres at world-renowned opera companies and symphonies, university professors, and winners of other prestigious international awards.
“The caliber of applicants made the selection process both inspiring and incredibly difficult,” said Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vásquez, Creator and Artistic Director of the Opera Camp™. “We weren’t just looking for exceptional artists; we were seeking pioneers with the unique vision and collaborative spirit to build a new, community-centric model for the Opera and the Performing Arts. This cohort embodies that transformative potential.”
The 2025 winners are:
This cohort will now embark on a immersive professional mentorship, co-creating (alongside with Maestro Barbosa-Vásquez and the team of PAL Productions and Opera Camp™) two new operas: a full one-act opera from the Opera Masters and a collaborative one-act opera from the Fellows and Apprentices. A creative journey that will continue with the full world premiere of one Opera (and possible workshops of the second one) in June 2026, produced by the Bloomington Opera Camp™.
A Glimpse at the 2025 Creators:
· Dr. Diego Sosa (Mexico), a PhD in Media Arts, and Drama from Royal Holloway, University of London, has staged his plays and operas across the US, UK, and Europe.
· Raul Esteban Ardila Pineda (Colombia) is an multiple awards-winning composer whose work bridges contemporary composition and Latin American traditional music.
· Robert Ellsworth Feng (USA), a bass-baritone and librettist, was recently featured as a speaker at the 2025 OPERA America Conference.
· Linda Uran (Croatia), an award-winning composer and founder of Uran Music, has composed rock operas and operettas staged in renowned theaters.
· Sarah Wallin Huff (USA), a composer and violinist with an MA in Composition, has worked in concert music and soundtracks since 1993.
· Yangfan Xu (China/USA), a DMA candidate at the New England Conservatory, has received commissions from ensembles linked to the New York City Ballet and has had works performed by the Albany and New Jersey Symphony Orchestras.
Network of International Allied Orchestras
We want to thank the allied orchestras for supporting the future of the Performing Arts by co-premiering the Overture of the Premiered Opera during their 2026-2028 seasons (specific dates TBD after official Opera Premiere). The orchestras are: The Americas Chamber Orchestra (Bloomington, IN, USA), Santa Monica Symphony (Santa Monica, California, USA, Orquesta Sinfónica (Nacional) Juvenil de El Salvador (San Salvador, El Salvador), Orquesta Municipal de José C. Paz (José C. Paz, Argentina), y la Orquesta Sinfónica de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Bogotá, D.C., Colombia).
You Can Be Part of Opera History
The creation of these new works is not confined to the co-creators. The Bloomington Opera Camp™, a revolutionary multi-generational and multi-level program, will bring these operas to life on stage. Artists, singers, instrumentalists, and arts enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels (7-70+) are invited to register now to be part of this historic premiere. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate directly on the birth of a new opera and perform in its world debut.
Join the Bloomington Opera Camp™ here:
Students and Communnities: https://www.performingartslab.com/oc/bloomington-in
Professionals: https://www.performingartslab.com/oc/bloomington-in-pros
Following the Bloomington premiere, the orchestral overtures from these works will enjoy a global stage through co-premieres by an international network of allied orchestras from 2026 to 2028. Also, the operas will then join the CommunityOperaScores™ catalog, making them available for rental by opera companies and performing arts institutions worldwide, ensuring these organizations can serve their communities by offering high-level artistic practices available for everyone.
The Opera Camp™ Composition & Libretto Program is an initiative of the Performing Arts Laboratory, artistically designed, scientifically proven, and internationally awarded for its transformative impact on the performing arts field.
For aspiring composers and librettists, pre-registration for the 2026-2027 cohort is now open. Pre-register here and be notified when official applications open:https://www.performingartslab.com/oc/composition-libretto-program
About Performing Arts Laboratory:The Performing Arts Laboratory is a production and research organization dedicated to building a sustainable future for the performing arts. Under the direction of Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vásquez, its programs, including the internationally awarded Opera Camp™, focus on innovative models that promote inclusivity, collaborative creation, and shared governance, ensuring the arts remain a vital and accessible force in society. / www.performingartslab.com / solutions@performingartslab.com
Full Release in word (in Spanish and English) and Photos and Short Biographies of Winners: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qakoIxFFnrB57I6ECVK6zH_m0VogaclD?usp=sharing
Maestro Barbosa-Vásquez Press Kit: https://www.barbosavasquez.com/presskit
Press Information and interviews:
Sebastián Fonseca - Press Officer
+57 316 445 3932
Bloomington, Indiana – Bogotá, Colombia
