Music
“A tour de force of orchestration…”
— The Wesleyan Argus
About the music
Lola has always brought an adventurous spirit to her work.
A classically trained pianist and native Angeleno, her curious nature led her to a knack for genre-fluid composing. Paired with her intimate approach to songwriting, Lola is unafraid to explore the mess.
A childhood spent in theatre, learning characters from the page, gave her the itch to write them in music. Today, her inspirations range from Sondheim to David Bowie, Kendrick Lamar to Sarah Vaughan, and Ravel to every Harry Potter score imaginable.
She is propelled by intense, unfiltered emotion, and her songwriting is built to linger. Since the premiere of her debut musical, fans have continued to engage with her lyrics and music online, proving that an unforgettable melody can stay with an audience long after the curtain falls.
This fall, Lola is Music Assistant on Love of a Lifetime at NAMT’s 38th Annual Festival of New Musicals.
Featured Work
The Bluebird & The Lynx
Book, music, lyrics & orchestrations by Lola Cortez
In 1980s New York, 17-year-old gang leader Ash Lynx hunts for the truth behind a mysterious drug. When Japanese photographer’s assistant Eiji Okumura arrives in the city, their worlds violently intersect. Fifteen original songs blending hip-hop, rock and lyrical contemporary.
An unofficial adaptation of Akimi Yoshida’s manga Banana Fish, developed as Lola’s honors thesis at Wesleyan University. Three sold-out performances, April 2026.
In the room
“Without a doubt, the orchestration and fight choreography were the highlights of the production.”
— The Wesleyan Argus
“This production certainly ranks amongst the best mountings that I have seen in my 35 years here at Wesleyan.”
— Professor Jay Hoggard, Head of Music Major, Wesleyan University
“It is not at all hyperbole to say Lola's thesis concert was one of the most elaborate and well realized productions I have ever experienced.”
— James Praznik, Composer, Assistant Professor, Wesleyan University
