Celebración Latina

Celebrated soprano, Cecilia Violetta López, has been named one of “Idaho’s Top 10 Most Influential Women of the Century” by USA Today and has been named one of opera’s “25 Rising Stars” by Opera News. The singing actress is constantly praised for her “alluring voice and incredible range” (Washington Post).

She has received accolades for her signature role of Violetta in La traviata, which she has performed countless times throughout North America. Critic, James Jorden, exclaimed “she is a Violetta fully- formed and, I think, ready for the great stages of the world.” She has now performed the role with Minnesota Opera, Opera Colorado, Opera Tampa, Opera Idaho, Ash Lawn Opera, The Northern Lights Music Festival, Madison Opera, Pacific Symphony and Virginia Opera. Ms. López made her European début as Norina in Don Pasquale with Zomeropera in Belgium, for which Klassiek Centraal exclaimed: “She turns out to be the revelation of the show and wins over the audience with her funny rendition, irresistible charm, and [she is] natural in the different vocals.”

From her performance as Adina in The Elixir of Love with Virginia Opera, The Virginian- Pilot hailed, “Cecilia Violetta López is showing local audiences why Opera News named her one of its ’25 Rising Stars.’ In the lead role of Adina, she hit the highest notes with ringing clarity, performed the vocal runs with precision and grace and showed a particular charm and humanity in the softest passages and lowest ranges.” In her recent performance as Marguerite in Faust with Opera Omaha, the Omaha World-Herald claimed “...López sang Marguerite’s seduction, madness and salvation with an other wordly wisdom and artistry.”

Despite the halting effects of COVID-19 in the opera industry, Ms. López’ 2020-2021 has included both virtual and live recitals with Opera Idaho, Opera Las Vegas, Austin Opera, Opera Southwest, Chatter ABQ, and Madison Opera. Ms. López made her company debut with Pacific Symphony as Violetta in their 90 minute version of La traviata, and Ms. López will also be the featured soprano soloist in the world premier of Mi Camino, a virtual project with Opera Cultura. Cecilia will also return to Opera Colorado as a soprano soloist in Canciones de Nuestras Tierras: a live, outdoor performance.

The San Francisco Chronicle exclaims, “For theatrical charisma and musical bravado, it would be hard to top the performance of baritone Efraín Solís.” The son of Mexican immigrants, Efraín carries the rich tapestry of his heritage with him, infusing his artistic expression with a deep sense of cultural pride and identity. Renowned for his versatility on both dramatic and comedic stages, Efraín brings a unique blend of passion, dedication, and a captivating stage presence to every performance.

Born and raised in Southern California, Efraín holds a Master of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, as well as a Bachelor of Music from Chapman University, where he also pursued a Minor in Spanish and Latin American Literature. At the early stages of his career, his outstanding performances led him to be named a Grand Finalist in both the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and Houston Grand Opera's Eleanor McCollum Competition. His journey continued as he joined the prestigious Merola Opera Program in 2013 at the age of 23, where he showcased his technical virtuosity as Junius in The Rape of Lucretia. This experience led to a highly coveted San Francisco Opera Adler Fellowship, where he had the privilege of performing pivotal roles early in his career. Notably, he portrayed Papageno in Die Zauberflöte, Dandini in La Cenerentola, Schaunard in La Bohème, Silvano in Un Ballo in Maschera, Sciarrone in Tosca, and Prince Yamadori in Madama Butterfly. These performances marked significant milestones in his artistic development and demonstrated his exceptional talent.

Post fellowship, Efraín joined respected opera companies such as Houston Grand Opera, New York City Opera, El Paso Opera, and Opera Santa Barbara for captivating performances of Mark in Cruzar la Cara de la Luna. This role has become one of his most cherished and frequently performed ones to date. Additionally, he has charmed audiences with his portrayal of Charlie in Heggie's Three Decembers at Florida Grand Opera, Virginia Opera, and Opera San José.

Last season Efraín made his European debut as Dandini in La Cenerentola at Staatsoper Hamburg and returned to the role of Mark in Cruzar la Cara de la Luna with Minnesota Opera and Austin Opera. Furthermore, he delighted audiences with his performances as Mercutio in Roméo et Juliette and Alvaro in Florencia en el Amazonas at Opera San José.

The 2024-25 season promises to be another remarkable chapter in Efraín’s career as he makes highly anticipated debuts at The Dallas Opera and Santa Fe Opera, portraying Schaunard in La Bohème. He will also showcase his talents at Fort Worth Opera as Dandini in La Cenerentola, and at Opera San Antonio as Mark in Cruzar la Cara de la Luna.

Beyond his musical focuses, Efraín finds joy as an avid rock climber. He thrives on the physical and mental challenges that the sport presents; scaling boulders and cliffs not only provides an exhilarating escape but also instills in him a sense of determination and perseverance that carries over into his artistic endeavors.

In addition to his musical and personal pursuits, Efraín is deeply committed to giving back to the community and using his talent to make a positive impact. He is actively engaged with ArtSmart as the San Francisco Regional Coordinator, sharing his love for music with aspiring young artists and fostering a passion for the arts among future generations.

Pianist Nathan Salazar has performed in recital and in opera in England, Scotland, Italy, Russia, and in major performance venues throughout the United States. He has been featured at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Boston’s Symphony Hall, and Carnegie Hall in New York City. He has worked and performed with Skylark Vocal Ensemble, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, The Handel and Haydn Society, The Boston Symphony, Santa Fe Opera, and The Boston Lyric Opera, where he worked on the company’s monumental 2019 production of Poul Ruders’ The Handmaid’s Tale. In 2023, Salazar made his company debuts with San Francisco Opera and Los Angeles Opera for Gabriela Lena Frank’s El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego. He returned to Los Angeles Opera for Golijov’s Ainadamar.