In December 2005, I had a workshop reading of the first act of La Llorona. Josemaria Condemi directed it. He has been a great friend and vital colleague in the development of not only this work, but also River of Women/Rio De Mujeres. The cast  and music director, Rebecca Nelson, were also quite incredible.

I must also say that it was a challenge to produce it. I had received an SF Arts Commission grant and it was not enough to cover all the expenses. Fortunately, the artists and artistic team were very giving of their time. It was truly a collaborative effort.

I had hoped that the folks at SF Opera would come to see it. They were invited by colleagues of mine connected to SF Opera, but they declined to come to the presentation.

On a side note, SF Opera, in partnership with Opera America had a "special day" for Opera Composers to meet Gockley a few months back, but I did not go.  I've been to these kinds of events before. Great discussion, but rarely any initiatives  of substance come out of it.

However, Speight Jenkins from Seattle Opera  and Ian Campbell from San Diego Opera were kind enough to reply regarding producing La Llorona.



As it turns out, a theater company decided to produce the work, though they new it was being written as an opera. Rebecca Nelson had done work for them and told them about it. In one meeting, they decided not only to produce it, but to commission me to complete the work.

And so, my journey has begun  - to explore the work and explore what form it will take.  This summer we have been working on a few scenes to get to know one another and to know the work.