Opera Southwest in Albuquerque will debut Llantos 1492, a world premiere opera by Adam del Monte, from February 16 to 23, 2025.

Blending flamenco with opera, Llantos 1492 is set against the backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition and the fall of Granada. The central figure is Youssef Biboldo, a Jewish lawyer who defies the Inquisition, resulting in escalating persecution for him, his family, and a group of Roma people.

The role of Youssef will be performed by Brian James Myer, with an ensemble cast featuring Ricardo Ceballos, Oriana Fallas, Barbara Martinez, José Cortes, Dane Suarez, Javier Ortiz, and Vicente Griego.

Anthony Barrese will conduct the production, directed by Octavio Cardenas.

"We are thrilled to partner with the National Institute of Flamenco for Llantos 1492. Their expertise in providing dancers and choreography is essential to this production," said Tony Zancanella, executive director of Opera Southwest, in a press release. "It's especially fitting that the world’s first flamenco opera will have its premiere in Albuquerque, renowned as the Flamenco Capital of North America."