To The People Like Us has been an incredible artistic journey for me. I was deeply inspired by the work and dedication of the young writers from 826 Boston—their openness, their fresh and sincere writing, and their willingness to be artistically vulnerable. Their story resonated with me. It reminded me of the challenges we face in my hometown of Mexico City, which is undergoing a dramatic transformation due to gentrification and the influx of young digital nomads from the United States and Canada. It also brought to mind my adoptive home in Harlem, where tradition, gentrification, and resistance coexist every day.

I was moved by the sincerity of the characters—their passion to fight for our environment, to defend their homes, their communities, and their friendships. The libretto struck me immediately with its freshness and emotional clarity. I thought of myself at eighteen, marching for democracy in Mexico, and for a more just society—a struggle that still defines my work today.

In creating the opera’s sound world, I sought to blend tradition and contemporary idioms in a way that felt true to the characters. I incorporated electronic and pop elements to reflect their modern reality, grounding the story firmly in the present. I also leaned into Latinx musical traditions that have shaped my own voice. Abuela’s music draws on the nostalgic bolero, full of memory and longing, as she shares her wisdom with the younger generation. And the opera concludes with an explosion of salsa—a rhythm of joy, resistance, and celebration.

Writing To The People Like Us has been an enriching experience. I’m honored to help bring the words and ideas of these young artists to the stage. They are full of hope, energy, and purpose, and I hope this experience inspires them to keep writing, creating, and building a more just and equitable world.

-Jorge Sosa, Composer