Opera Naples will kick off its Opera Stars Concert Series with Maria José Montiel in recital.

The mezzo-soprano will be joined by pianist and Opera Naples Artistic Director, Ramón Tebar. There will also see a special appearance by cellist Angel Luis Quintana, who will be playing a violoncello J. Guadagnini “II Soldato” from 1800.

The concert will be the start of a U.S tour for Montiel in which she will fundraise for the Columbus Children’s Foundation (Fundacion Columbus) of Valencia, Spain.

In a press release, Tebar said, “I have worked several times with María José Montiel. She has an exceptional talent, beautiful voice, great musicality and magnetism that make her ideal for the intimacy of a recital. I am sure that the Naples audience will enjoy her and cellist Angel Luis Quintana, one of the best Spanish cellists.”

Montiel is a well-recognized mezzo in Spain who has been recognized for her “Carmen” and has performed with the worlds leading conductors and singers, including  Zubin Mehta, Riccardo Chailly, and Plácido Domingo.