First Advisor

Socrates Garcia

First Committee Member

Brain Luedloff

Second Committee Member

Jill Burgett

Third Committee Member

Sara Off

Degree Name

Doctor of Arts

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Date Created

5-2026

Department

College of Performing and Visual Arts, Music, Music Student Work

Embargo Date

5-8-2027

Abstract

The creation of operas for children is especially possible thanks to organizations that facilitate, promote and commission such compositions. Regardless, both the creation of new operas for children and the actual existing repertoire is scarce. The work of composers and playwrights in the field of opera for children often results in isolated efforts as arguably certain there exist many operas that remain unpublished, and productions without proper coverage. Therefore, actions toward the increase in visibility of new compositions and productions of opera for children are highly pertinent and relevant, evermore in the case of underrepresented actors in the field as it is the case of Latin American women composers, and underrepresented elements as it is the use of Spanish language in opera.

In an aim to promote, increase the visibility of, and garner attention to a magnificent, yet little known, opera for children by Latin American woman composer Gabriela Ortiz, the purpose of this project is to make a narrative and musical analysis of the humorous chamber opera for children “Ana y su Sombra” (Ana and her Shadow). This project acquires even more relevance when we consider that there are no official public recordings or films available of Ana y su Sombra, nor previous academic analysis or research related to it. In consequence the sources for this project consist mostly of primary sources, prominently interviews.

Ana y su Sombra was composed in 2012 and covers themes such as geographical and cultural borders, multiculturalism, and identity. The original libretto in Spanish was a creation of writer and poet Mónica Sánchez Escuer. The opera in one act and four scenes is one hour long, and is scored for piano, flute, violin, double bass, and percussion. It includes six roles namely Ana (soprano), Sombra (mezzo-soprano), Pete (tenor), Asombro (tenor), Yeya (soprano), and Roble (tenor).

Abstract Format

html

Disciplines

Composition | Ethnomusicology | Latina/o Studies | Music Performance | Music Practice | Spanish Literature | Women's Studies

Keywords

Women Leadership; Multiculturalism; Gabriela Ortiz; Borders; Young audiences; Contemporary Opera; Underrepresentation; Hispanic; Opera Conductor

Language

English; Spanish

Extent

54 pages

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

Digital Origin

Born digital

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Available for download on Saturday, May 08, 2027

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