Our take on Hispanic opera

A question that we’re often asked is what is Opera Hispánica and how do we define ourselves both in terms of our mission and artistic programming? What exactly does Hispanic opera mean and how is it relevant to our audiences today?

Simply put, in order for an opera or musical work to be performed by Opera Hispánica one or all of the following elements must be present:

1. The work is in Spanish

2. The work is written by a Hispanic or Latino composer

3. The work is inspired or influenced by a Hispanic theme or topic

Opera Hispáncia will also showcase works that represent the Latino or Hispanic voice but are based on universal and global concerns. We believe that it is important to encourage composers to use opera as a medium for offering a different viewpoint of our world.

The truth is, as with all art, there is no right or wrong answer as to what IS “Hispanic opera”. Though the term might be widely interpreted, Opera Hispánica hopes to create our own identity through our unique mission and artistic programming.

A night with El Museo del Barrio

Hola amigos! Daniel Frost Hernández here from Opera Hispánica. Thank you all who came out to support us at El Museo del Barrio on Cinco de Mayo.

As you can see from the pictures below we had a wonderful turnout and even though we began planning this event over a year ago, it seems like yesterday when I met with El Museo to begin discussing the need for a collaboration.

For many audience members, this was their first time attending a performance of this kind and we are thrilled to have attracted so many new opera fans.

A highlight of the program was the opportunity to perform the musical works of Mexican composer and Juilliard faculty member Samuel Zyman- stay tuned for a future post on him in our Composer’s Spotlight. One of the goals of Opera Hispánica is to present works by current composers. We are honored that Maestro Zyman was able to attend the show and that the public was able to witness his beautiful work come to life on the stage.

Immediately following the performance, guests were escorted to a “Meet the Artists” reception where attendees included government officials, community leaders, and renowned artists. It was a lovely way to end the evening and hopefully, the first of many more performances in El Barrio! Que viva la ópera!

For more photos visit our website HERE!

Spring Soiree in SoHo

If you’re in New York City, you can probably agree with us — it was a long winter.

Lucky for us, at Opera Hispánica, we spent many a snowy evening with the producers and directors, talking about opera (what else!), planning our full-length performance in May, the goals of the organization and of course, drinking some really great wine.

It was with that idea that we held an intimate soiree a few weeks ago for our friends and fans — to give them the experience of getting to know us better, hear our wonderful singers, eat some tapas and drink  MORE great wine.

Artist Eve Lateiner was the gracious host for the evening, inviting us into her eclectic SoHo studio. Our tapas — which were incredible (bacon wrapped dates, goat cheese croquettes, stuffed mushrooms… yum) — were generously provided by the always wonderful Pipa restaurant in New York City. Wine and drinks were provided by Lure Fish Bar.

We had a wonderful turn-out and special thanks go to the many who made the evening possible.

To view more photos from our soiree please check out our Facebook page HERE!

We’re blogging!

Welcome to the Opera Hispánica blog!  Our inaugural season has been a whirlwind of planning, performances and production! We decided to write a blog to give our audiences additional information about Spanish opera, behinds the scenes access to our incredible performers and directors and insight into our view on Spanish opera and opera in general.

Our vision for Opera Hispánica is to create a vibrant, thriving opera company that brings opera in Spanish to New York City audiences — and to audiences around the world, via this website. On this blog, we’ll provide photos, videos, and commentary so that even if can’t join us in New York, you can still be a part of our growing company.

We encourage feedback and want to know what you’re thinking. We hope you will return to our blog, follow us on Twitter and Facebook and hopefully join us on May 5 for our performance at El Museo del Barrio in New York City.

Thank you for visiting our blog. We’re delighted to share the following video with you: