Hector Armienta, a nationally recognized composer, pianist,  and artistic director of Opera Cultura. He has received numerous awards and commissions (the NEA, Meet the Composer, Pacific Symphony, Opera Pacific and others). Since relocating to San Jose in 2005, he has pursued new artistic collaborations and arts educations projects that highlight the artistry that exists here in Silicon Valley.

Upcoming projects include the Opera Cultura Summer Conservatory, Opera on First Street Project, a new three part video series, "Death And Transcendence - an Artistic Exploration Across Cultures" and in 2011 , the presentation of La Llorona - A Musical Drama.