On Jan. 27, the Teatro de la Zarzuela is set to present Bretón’s “La Dolores” for the first time since 1937. The production will also mark 100 years since the composer’s death and will feature an international cast led by Saioa Hernández.

For Hérnandez, La Dolores will mark a role debut and a return to Spanish opera, which she has not performed in the past years. It will also mark her return to the Teatro de la Zarzuela, a theater where she debuted in Spain and where she has performed such works as “El gato montés” and “Curro Vargas.” The soprano recently performed at the Teatro in a recital back in 2021.

Hérnandez has also sung such Spanish works as “La del Soto del Parral,” “La Tabernera del Puerto,” “Los Hijos del battalion,” “La Marsellesa” and “Circe.” Now she adds the iconic role of Dolores, one of Spain’s most famous heroines.

Hernandez’s upcoming performances of “La Dolores” will be the first of many role debuts this season as she is also set to debut the title role “Fedora,” the title role of “Turandot,” and Amelia in “Simon Boccanegra.” Saioa Hernández is also set to make her house debut at Opera Australia in her signature role of “La Gioconda.”

Already hailed as one of the great sopranos of her generation, Hernández is also set to perform in Geneva and Hamburg this season.

Recordings Featuring Saioa Hernández

For those not familiar with the work of “La Dolores,” here is an interview with Hernandez about the work.

Here is also Hernandez in excerpts from “Macbeth” and “Nabucco.”