Now in its 8th year, the Poetry & Music Project connects student poets and their words with composers to create original music and explore the connections between poetry and music.
For the 24/25 Project, Opera Omaha received 66 poem submission from students across Nebraska inspired by the theme “My Neighborhood.” Poets ranged from second graders to high school juniors, including first time poets and seasoned writers.
While there were many outstanding poems submitted to the project, in the end, project composer Sidney Marquez Boquiren and hip-hop artist Lite Pole selected 13 poems that inspired them to create original music with the poems as the lyrics.
Poetry & Music Project Concert
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 1pm
Simon Concert Hall | Omaha Conservatory of Music
FEATURING
Rosemary Joyce, Alejandra Sandoval-Montañez, Gavin Rasmussen, Jesse Wohlman
Sidney Marquez Boquiren, Lite Pole
Josh Quinn, piano | Hosted by Noni Williams
24/25 SELECTED POEMS INCLUDE:
“Footsteps” by Nora Barth, Duchesne Academy Omaha
“Flying Home”, by Aalyn Friesz, Wheeler Elementary
“Fowler Street” by M Bonar, La Vista Middle School
“Omaha’s Embrace” by Jackson Ward, Papillion Middle School
“Invisible to Us” by Madelynn Torson, Swanson Elementary
“My Neighborhood” by Madison Dornbusch, La Vista Middle School
“Neighbor Behavior” by Addi Bryan, Woodbrook Elementary
“Seasons in North Omaha” by Adeline Olsen, Sunset Hills Elementary
“Our Beautiful Neighborhood” by Rishi Chundury, Brownell Talbot
“Untitled” by Michaela Brown, Papillion Middle School
“In the land of unknown” by Shevaani Rajith Varman Janani, Lewis & Clark Middle School
“The Original Denny's” by Maren Ferguson, Platteview High School
“De Donde Soy” by Gelen Ruiz, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands-South Omaha Club
All submitted poems will be available in the Poetry & Music Project Book, available online, and as part of the Omaha Public Library Collection.
Selected poets will workshop the original music set with their lyrics alongside the composers before the culmination of the Poetry & Music Project, a public concert and world premiere of each song on May 3, 2025 at the Omaha Conservatory of Music.
Meet the Composers
Sidney Marquez Boquiren
Sidney Marquez Boquiren grew up in the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. As a composer, he is strongly drawn to the practice of collaboration: the ideation, germination, development, creation, realization, performance, and celebration of art that arises out of working closely with others. Past collaborative projects include works on Biblical illumination; multimedia and multi-sensory art experience; chamber opera; dance; and poetry. He has received commissions from the German vocal quintet, amarcord; harpist, Tasha Smith Godinez; the contemporary ensemble, counter)induction; and Parhelion Trio. He is one of 32 artists in the international roster commissioned to compose new solo piano works for Yael Weiss’ “32 Bright Clouds.” His compositions are often informed, influenced, and shaped by contemporary social justice issues; his Catholic faith; and his Philippine identity.
A MacDowell Fellow, Sidney teaches courses in music theory and composition and directs the Improvisation Ensemble at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. He sings with the Ignatian Schola as well as the choir of The Church of St. Francis Xavier in Manhattan, New York.
Lite Pole (LP)
Lite Pole (LP) is an emerging artist hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, whose innovative rhyme schemes and whimsical metaphors set him apart as one of the most unconventional and captivating lyricists on the music scene today. A natural-born creative, LP’s passion for art took root in childhood, but it was during 7th grade that his love for music truly ignited. Inspired by the freestyle sessions of his peers during lunch, he began honing his craft, blending vivid storytelling with intricate wordplay.
Over the years, LP has evolved into a masterful lyricist and a versatile producer, crafting immersive instrumentals under the moniker “2 Stomachs.” In 2011, he founded UnPlugged Connection™ (UPC), a platform for his music and clothing line. Through UPC, LP strives to inspire peace, elevate consciousness, and revive the lost “art” of storytelling in hip-hop.
With a unique sound and a visionary approach, LP continues to carve his path, connecting with listeners and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.
Project Timeline
September 2024 - Submissions Open
October & November 2024 - Writing Workshops
November 30, 2024 - Submission Deadline
December 2024- Composers Select Poems
January 2025 - Poets of Selected Pieces Notified, Composers Writing Time
March 2025- Music Workshop with Composers and Poets of the Selected Pieces
May 3, 2025- Poetry & Music Project Concert
About the Poetry & Music Project
The Opera Omaha Poetry & Music Project is a statewide program run in partnership with the Nebraska Writers Collective. Now in its 8th year, the Poetry & Music Project connects student writers and their words with composers to create original scores and explore the connections between poetry and music. Students are invited to submit poems on the project, and free Poetry & Music writing workshops are available in the fall. Professional composers select poems that move them from a robust collection of writing submitted by young writers in grades K-12 and create original music inspired by the selected poems. This program culminates in public performance of the selected poems -now songs- with the poets, their families, and community partners
Partners
The Poetry & Music Project is produced in partnership with Nebraska Writers Collective. The NWC helped identify the theme and created prompts for the Poetry & Music Project, and NWC Teaching Artists designed and facilitated poetry workshops for over 200 middle and high school students across Nebraska.
Additional project partners include American Opera Projects who helped identify project composer Sidney Boquiren, and alum of their Composers & the Voice project.
The Poetry & Music Project is supported in part by Humanities Nebraska, Nebraska Arts Council, and The Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
Past Years
2023/2024For More Information
Contact: Lauren Medici | Opera Omaha Director of Engagement Programs
Lmedici@operaomaha.org | 402-346-7372