The "Chicano" Composer from Los Ángeles

YEAR - 1995
My first opera was a youth opera titled Un Camino de Fé, commissioned by Opera Pacific.  I wrote it 1995  & I was one of only two Mexican - American composers in the country writing operas. The other was Robert Rodriguez ( Frida). I wasn't seeking to be an opera composer, but was looking for commissions.  I needed work ( $$$).  I mailed cassettes ( remember those) to everyone!  Opera Pacific was looking to reach the Latino community and had a project in mind. The opera is based on the true story of Sagrario Gil and her family coming from México. Timothy Kuster and I developed together the synopsis. I wrote the music and the text. 
This started my journey as an opera composer. Since then, I've devoted my life writing about what it means to be Mexican American and to work toward seeing more people like me in the opera house and concert hall.