Opera San José to Perform ‘Zorro’ with Xavier Prado & Maria Brea
By Francisco SalazarOpera San José is set to conclude its 41st season with the Northern California premiere of Héctor Armienta’s “Zorro.”
The production will be directed by David Radamés Toro, who will make his OSJ debut and Jorge Parodi will conduct the acclaimed piece.
The opera is set in the early 1800s in El Pueblo de Los Ángeles, still a colony of Spain, and follows Zorro’s adventures.
In a statement, Opera San José General Director/CEO Shawna Lucey said, “I can’t wait to bring Zorro to our audiences. This mesmerizing opera blends stunning orchestration with high drama, delivering an enthralling experience for both regular opera-lovers and newcomers to the form. From the fierce brass fanfares to the rich strings and sonorous woodwinds, the score pulses with adventure, romance, and suspense. With thrillingly challenging vocals and nonstop momentum, Zorro takes us on a heart-pounding ride.” Lucey adds, “This is the second Spanish-language opera to be presented on our mainstage, following last season’s production of Florencia en el Amazonas. So many in our community speak Spanish in the home, and we have been delighted to welcome new audiences who are excited to hear works they can instantly follow.” She also notes that as many California schools study the history of the state, its missions, and early settlements, “This production will provide an outstanding – and wildly dramatic – look at the political dynamics of that era, making it a great introduction for younger audiences.”
The production will star tenor Xavier Prado as Diego de la Vega/Zorro and soprano Maria Brea as Ana Maria Soza. They will be joined by baritone Eugene Brancoveanu, mezzo-soprano Melisa Bonetti Luna, soprano Arianna Rodriguez, mezzo-soprano Deborah Martínez Rosengaus, and bass-baritone Jesús Vicente Murillo.
“Zorro” will be performed between April 19 and May 4, 2025.
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