It is loosely based on episodes in the life of Simón Bolívar, the military and political leader who played a leading role in freeing Latin American countries from Spanish rule.

According to Musgrave, the idea for the opera began in 1986 after talking with a friend who had just returned from Colombia where Bolívar is revered as a national hero.

During the summer of 1989, she carried out further research in Mexico City on Bolívar's life and writings as well as Latin American musical styles of the era, some of which are incorporated into the score.

The production also involved numerous actors and special effects which included a wind machine, fireworks, and simulated battles.

[6][7][2] The world premiere of Simón Bolívar on 20 January 1995 at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk was conducted by Peter Mark.

The production, using the Spanish version of the libretto with English surtitles was directed by Lillian Garrett-Groag with sets by John Conklin, costumes by David Murin, and lighting by Mark Stanley.

The three singers were from the original Virginia Opera cast—Amy Johnson as Manuela Sáenz, Stephen Guggenheim as Bolívar, and Douglas Nagel as General Santander.

[12] Setting: The area of Latin America once known as Gran Colombia in the first half of the 19th century[13] Act 1 The opera opens with the sounds of a battle but then flashes back to Bolívar's boyhood with his tutor Rodríguez explaining the concept of the rights of man.

Tensions develop with Santander over Bolívar's plan to liberate southern Peru and Venezuela and join them to Gran Colombia.

Manuela saves Bolívar from an assassination attempt but they are eventually driven into exile and although still loved by the common people, he dies in official disgrace.