Corazón de la Selva

Conway Hall presents the European premiere of Corazón de la Selva (The Heart of the Forest) – the world’s first Climate Opera and a groundbreaking fusion of music, science, and ancestral wisdom that gives voice to the Earth and its guardians. Created by Chicanix Indigenous soprano Laura Carisa Gardea, the opera tells the true story of a Peruvian Indigenous scientist working with the United Nations for the conservation of the Amazon. Rooted in the mythology of the Mexica, it intertwines the scientific, spiritual and ecological dimensions of the forest, reminding us that humanity’s survival depends upon restoring balance with the natural world.

The production features an Indigenous cast and creative team, performing in Nahuatl and Spanish with English subtitles. Their voices are accompanied by the sounds of the forest, ancestral chants and classical grand piano. Surrounded by immersive projection design, the performers build a living bridge between technology and tradition.

The performance Conway Hall follows the world premiere at the Climate Refugee Pavilion at COP30 in Belém in November 2025, and presentations at the UN International Peace Concert in Times Square and the Vatican Jubilee Festival in Rome. Corazón de la Selva invites the world to listen — not as distant observers, but as kin to the Amazon’s living song: a collective call to protect the beating heart of our planet.

The performance will begin with an introduction from the creators of the opera, and will be followed by the opportunity for you to interact with the unique immersive set.

PROGRAMME:

7.30pm: Introduction with the creators

8pm: Opera

8.40pm: Reception – Interact with the set

CAST:
Laura Carisa Gardea • soprano
Paulo Paolillo • tenor
Stefania Passamonte • piano

CREATIVE TEAM:
Stefania Passamonte • Opera Director and Co-Composer
Benn Wiebe • Executive Producer
Young Elders Hærtists • Additional production
Maya Fourteen • Music of the Cosmos y Selva
Scott Marshall • Lead Visual VFX Set Design
Mindahi Bastida • Indigenous Lead advisor
Geraldine Patrick Encina • Indigenous advisor

Age Recommendation:

All ages. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Price:

*A £2 venue levy is applied to each ticket purchased. This levy helps to support us in covering the costs of keeping our grade II listed building running and our doors open.*

In advance: • Standard £18 • Student £12 • Living Support £10     (+ £2 venue levy)
On the door: • Standard £19  • Student £13 • Living Support £11    (+ £2 venue levy)

Access Information

This event is in the Main Hall, which is located on the ground floor. The balcony is accessible only by stairs.

All the ground-floor rooms are accessible by wheelchair. Main Hall (street access, step-free), Brockway Room (street access, step-free), Bertrand Russell Room (street access, shallow ramp), Cafe (street access, step-free). There is also an accessible toilet on the ground floor opposite the Brockway Room.