On Sept. 23, the Ópera de Bella Artes will open a new production of Graun’s rarely performed masterpiece “Montezuma.” It will be a chance for audiences to hear an early masterwork alongside some of Mexico’s prominent and rising stars. Among them will be Karen Gardeazabal, who will be making a role debut and her house debut.

The Mexican soprano, who has performed around the world, will return to Mexico for the first time since 2019 when she went on tour with Javier Camarena. However, her debut for the Bella Artes is one that excites her as she said, “I am very happy that even though the situation is very difficult around the world, I am fortunate to collaborate on this production. I am very happy to be working with many friends in my home and especially happy to finally make my debut in this theater where I have always wanted to sing since the Carlo Morelli competition ten years ago.”

Regarding the Graun’s opera, Gardeazabel told OperaWire, “I am interpreting Eupaforice in ‘Montezuma,’ the queen of Tlaxcalteca. She is a strong, passionate, and fierce woman who searches at all cost to save her community at the side of her beloved Montezuma. I am very excited about the opening to share this wor with the public.

Throughout her career, the soprano has performed a diverse array of works from Puccini, Bizet, Donizetti, Verdi, Mozart, Haydn, Rossini, and Britten. She has also dedicated time to the baroque repertoire such as Handel and Monteverdi. Graun will be a return to that repertoire as she continues to explore early music.

A graduate of the International Opera Performing Experience in Italy, Gardeazabel has performed at the Arena di Verona, Macerata Opera Festival, Taormina, New Opera Theatre in Dubai, and the Palau de Les Arts in Valencia.

Recordings 

While the soprano does not have any recordings, here are some clips of her performing from “L’Elisir d’Amore,” “La Boheme,” and “Hrabina.”