For many years Saioa Hernandez has performed at some of the leading Italian opera companies performing a variety of repertoire. She has been seen dominating the Bel Canto rep as well as many of Verdi’s operas and she has made a signature of many rarely performed Verismo pieces.

This week, she is about to give her highest profile assignment to date in one of the biggest theaters on the planet and the biggest theater she has ever sung at.

Hernandez will open the Teatro alla Scala, making her highly anticipated debut in a performance that will be broadcast around the world on radio, cinema, and television. To top it off she will make her role debut as Odabella in Verdi’s “Attila,” a role that is known for its dramatic coloratura and heavy vocal writing. Caballe once said Hernandez is “the diva of our century” and this will be her moment to take a major step toward fulfilling those accolades.

The season will also see Hernandez perform at the Teatro de la Zarzuela, Teatro Regio di Torino, Teatro Comunale Luciano Pavarotti, Teatro Comunale Alighieri, and Semperoper Dresden. She will also make a number of role debuts in “Nabucco,” “Andrea Chénier,” and “La Forza del Destino.” 

Recordings

For those not familiar with Saioa Hernandez, there is a recording of Bellini’s rarely performed “Zaira.” There are also a number of YouTube videos that showcase the soprano’s talents, including a recent performance of “La Gioconda” with Francesco Meli as well as “La Wally” and “Tosca.”

Here are a few videos to get you ready for La Scala’s opening night.