Trailblazing female conductor and composer Odaline de la Martinez, along with Joan Anim Addo, will feature their opera “Imoinda” at the Opera America showcase, supported by the US League of Composers.

Martinez, originally from Cuba and now based in the UK, made history as the first female conductor at the Proms. She founded the ensemble Lontano and the record label Lorelt to highlight the works of female composers, both historical and contemporary. Additionally, she established the International Festival of American Music in London, which will present 18 world premieres when it returns this November.

A notable highlight of the festival will be the “Female Emigrees” event, spotlighting music by Jewish and Latin American émigrés, such as Ursula Mamlok and Tania Leon.

“Imoinda: Story of Love and Slavery” will be performed by soprano Manna K Jones and tenor Robert Mack, with Kyle Walker accompanying on the piano. The performance is scheduled to take place at Opera America’s Marc Scorca Hall on October 13.