by Cami Yates
Josíah Garza, a senior studying composition at the Butler School of Music, premiered his first opera, Maria, during the spring. The inspiration for Maria came from Garza’s close relationship with his grandmother, Maria Luisa Cantu Garza. During the pandemic, he moved in with her to provide care and found himself captivated by her life stories. These conversations formed the basis of his opera, which Garza describes as a love letter to all mothers. Maria explores themes of culture, heritage and assimilation, brought to life through a bilingual libretto crafted in collaboration with Demian Chavez, a senior in the Department of Theatre and Dance.
Garza’s path to composing the opera involved extensive research and preparation. He drew inspiration from museums and other operatic works, creating detailed storyboards and re-enacting scenes with his grandmother to ensure authenticity. This meticulous process helped him convey the narrative’s emotional depth and cultural significance.
At the Butler School of Music, Garza said he benefited from the mentorship of the faculty, including Associate Professor of Composition Yevgeniy Sharlat, lecturer Garnett Bruce and Butler Opera Center Principal Conductor Douglas Kinney Frost. Their guidance has been crucial in Garza’s development as a composer, and Garza’s participation in the opera’s production helped him gain valuable insights into the complexities of bringing a musical work to life.
Garza received the prestigious 2024 UT Co-op George H. Mitchell Award for his work on Maria. The award recognizes Garza’s exceptional talent and dedication and comes with a $7,000 prize.
