Lyric Opera 2025-2026 Issue 3 - Coco

13 | Lyric Opera of Chicago I feel a deep kinship with this. Music has always been my way of connecting with my own Chilean roots — of understanding myself through heritage, memory, and culture. Coco tells that same story: by remembering where we come from, we discover who we are meant to be. My favorite moments are the most intimate ones — like “Everyone Knows Juanita” or “Remember Me.” These songs remind us that a vital part of who we are lives in memory and heritage, a foundation that shapes our present and opens the doors to our future. How does the instrumentation in Coco stand out or differ from other film scores you’ve conducted? The instrumentation in Coco is unique because it combines the power of a full symphony orchestra with instruments rooted in Spanish-language and Mexican folk traditions. These folk instruments are not just decoration — they are storytellers, carrying the voices and emotions of generations. And please, listen closely to the guitar players; they bring such authenticity and intimacy to the score. What I found especially striking is the sheer scope of the percussion section — nearly 80 different instruments, each adding its own distinct color. That kind of variety is rare in film scores. I was reminded of another film, Encanto , also by Germaine Franco, which features an unusually large percussion section as well. But in Coco , this vast palette of sounds feels inseparable from the cultural heart of the story. This is your first time conducting at Lyric Opera of Chicago.What excites you about making your debut with this orchestra, in this historic space? Debuting at Lyric is deeply meaningful. Chicago is a city rich in cultural heritage, with a vibrant Spanish-speaking community whose traditions are reflected in the artists, donors, and audiences. Lyric carries decades of artistic weight, from its architectural grandeur to its history of musical excellence. I am especially grateful to John Mangum, whose support and vision have made this opportunity possible, allowing me to approach this project with both depth and full artistic intention. Performing Coco during the same week as Lyric’s Medea adds a layer of poetic resonance for me. While Medea confronts us with a millennia- old tragedy, Coco celebrates tenderness, memory, and cultural continuity. Both works, in their own ways, invite reflection on identity, heritage, and the transformative power of music. I can’t wait! i t