Triângulo: A Mixed Martial Arts Opera

03/19/2025

As the lead producer and visionary behind this groundbreaking new opera, Joseph Specter's journey is as unexpected as Triângulo itself. A former operatic baritone turned arts leader, he’s spent years at the helm of major institutions like Arizona Opera, Austin Opera, and The Metropolitan Opera. But what many don’t know? He’s also a dedicated martial artist, holding a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

With Triângulo, Specter is fusing his two worlds—opera and combat—into a story unlike any other, where raw physicality and soaring music collide. His vision, fueled by years of experience in both arenas, is what makes this project so thrilling.

Stay tuned as we continue to share the journey of Triângulo and the passionate team bringing it to life! 🎶🥊

03/14/2025

Acclaimed choreographer George Birkadze unites his experience in martial arts and dance to craft fight scenes that are as brutal as they are beautiful.Get a feel for what goes on in the ring with this clip from our preview event at JacksonWink MMA featuring renowned fighters Carrie Chandler and Jayda Fulp in action!

03/11/2025

🔥 Opera and MMA collided in the most electrifying way at our Triângulo preview event at the world-famous JacksonWink MMA Gym in Albuquerque—huge thanks to Greg Jackson for hosting us in this legendary space!

Audiences got a first look at an intense choreographed scene by George Birkadze, featuring two phenomenal MMA fighters Carrie Chandler and Jayda Fumo, bringing the story to life with raw power and precision. The night was filled with incredible energy as Leilani Miranda and Jorge Barranco performed stunning songs and duets by Martin Bejerano, while producer Joseph Specter and librettist Crystal Manich introduced the project to an enthusiastic crowd—opera lovers and fight fans alike.

This creative team is fired up, and we can’t wait to share more. 🔥🎶🥊

To learn more about Triângulo, click here: mmaopera.com

03/06/2025

🥊🎻 What do classical musicians and fighters have in common? In the ring or on the stage, success comes from mastering the details - demanding hours of training, unwavering focus, and endless dedication to excellence.

Triângulo unites these two epic practices in one awe-inspiring, live theater experience where Opera and MMA combine to tell the story of Esperança - a heroine whose determination can only serve to inspire.

Visit mmaopera.com to subscribe to our newsletter and witness her journey of passion, adversity, and sheer determination to follow her dreams ✨

02/28/2025

Are you ready for a powerful, female-forward story of resilience and ambition?

Triângulo tells the story of Esperança, a young woman fighting to escape Rio de Janeiro’s favelas and build a better life for her and her brother. Despite the odds, Esperança’s grit and determination fuel her dream and bring her to victory!

✨Join us TOMORROW 3/1 at JacksonWink MMA for a free preview event of Triângulo✨

Experience the inspiration of this story and the power of its music, alongside some of the fiercest fighters in the industry 🥊🎶

RSVP to reserve your spot now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exclusive-preview-of-triangulo-a-mixed-martial-arts-opera-tickets-1236730677749

02/27/2025

Here’s a sneak peek of Jorge Barranco singing "Me quedo o me voy" as Guillermo in TRIÁNGULO. This weekend, Jorge will bring his powerhouse vocals inside the arena, where we’ll experience opera and MMA colliding in real life—raw, intense, and electrifying.

Plus, we’re bringing the heat with food from Fogo de Chão! 🍽️🔥

📅 Saturday, March 1st
6:30-8:30 PM MST
📍 JacksonWink MMA Gym, Albuquerque
🎟️ Free admission – RSVP at the link below

www.eventbrite.com/e/exclusive-preview-of-triangulo-a-mixed-martial-arts-opera-tickets-1236730677749

See you in the arena! ⚡

02/27/2025

🎭🥊 What happens when the raw intensity of MMA meets the drama and passion of Opera? You get TRIÂNGULO—a brand-new fusion of two worlds that have more in common than you think.

This Saturday at the legendary Jackson Wink Gym, get an exclusive first look at this groundbreaking MMA Opera—where arias and uppercuts collide🔥

FREE event, live music, and some of the fiercest fighters in the game.

RSVP now to save your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exclusive-preview-of-triangulo-a-mixed-martial-arts-opera-tickets-1236730677749

Want to learn more about the creative team and the opera itself? Visit: https://mmaopera.com

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02/25/2025

🚨 FREE EVENT THIS SATURDAY 🚨

🥊 TRIÂNGULO, the groundbreaking MMA opera, is hosting a special Preview Event at the world-famous Jackson Wink MMA Gym in Albuquerque!

📅 Saturday, March 1st
📍 JacksonWink MMA Gym
🎟️ Free admission – Reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exclusive-preview-of-triangulo-a-mixed-martial-arts-opera-tickets-1236730677749

As Broadway World says, TRIÁNGULO is "blurring the lines between sport and art in a way that has never been done before."

Don't miss this one-of-a-kind fusion of power, passion, and Puccini-level drama.

Read more:
https://www.broadwayworld.com/albuquerque/article/TRINGULO-A-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Opera-to-Have-Preview-This-Weekend-at-Jackson-Wink-MMA-Gym-20250224

Join us for an exclusive event with great food, drinks, and a thrilling glimpse into TRIÂNGULO—the world’s first MMA opera.

02/21/2025

Triângulo is not just an opera—it’s a fight for survival, a clash of resilience and rhythm, where the raw energy of MMA collides with the soaring power of the human voice.

👊🔥 Catch a glimpse of what’s to come as Leilani Miranda takes on the role of Esperança, singing music by Martin Bejerano. She’ll be performing live at our preview event on March 1st at JacksonWink MMA in Albuquerque—where you’ll get more of the score, live fight choreography featuring MMA legend Greg Jackson, and an unforgettable night of music and combat. 🎶🥊

There are still spots available for the FREE event - RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exclusive-preview-of-triangulo-a-mixed-martial-arts-opera-tickets-1236730677749

02/18/2025

Meet the powerhouse team behind Triângulo: An MMA Opera! 🎶🥋

🔗 bit.ly/TeamTriangulo

🔥 Martin Bejerano – Latin GRAMMY-nominated composer blending Brazilian, Caribbean, pop, rock & hip-hop.
🎭 Crystal Manich – Visionary director fusing opera with the raw energy of MMA.
🥊 George Birkadze – Fight & dance choreographer bringing intensity to the stage.
💥 Greg Jackson – Legendary MMA coach ensuring fight authenticity.
🎼 Alex Lacamoire – Award-winning orchestrator elevating the music.
🚀 Joseph Specter – Creator & producer behind this groundbreaking fusion.

Esperança’s journey to MMA glory is coming to life—stay tuned! 🌟

02/12/2025

🎬 Opera Meets MMA – Witness the Fusion! 🥊🎭

What happens when the raw intensity of MMA collides with the beauty and power of opera? TRIÂNGULO: A Mixed Martial Arts Opera is bringing the fight to the stage—and you can get an exclusive first peek at JacksonWink MMA in Albuquerque, NM on March 1!

🎶 Hear musical samples from an award-winning creative team
🔥 Preview live fight choreography
🥋 Meet creators of the show
🍽️ Food & drinks from Fogo de Chão

This is a FREE event with limited spots—sign up now before it’s open to the public!

📅 March 1 | Jackson Wink MMA, Albuquerque, NM
🎟 Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/3f7ad35r
FREE Admission

Don’t miss this one-night-only event where combat sports and opera collide!

https://youtu.be/orTN7FcC_iA

CREATIVE TEAM
Martin Bejerano, Composer
Crystal Manich, Librettist/Director
George Birkadze, Fight/Dance Choreographer
Greg Jackson, Fight Consultant
Alex Lacamoire, Orchestration Consultant
Joseph Specter, Original Concept Creator/Producer