Lopez is acclaimed by Opera News for her “dark-hued lyric instrument, capable of considerable emotional power.” She was last seen at FGO in 2019-2020 in the title role of Madama Butterfly, and will star in the February zarzuela performance. Cuervo will star in the April performance. Nicknamed “the Fiery Soprano”, she is best known for her work in the popular flamenco opera, Maria de Buenos Aires.

The hour-long concert includes popular works such as “Pensar en el” from Marina, “Me llaman la primorosa” from El Barbero de Sevilla, and “Para comprar a un hombre” from Luisa Fernanda. Also featured are selections from La tabernera del puerto, Los gavilanes, Cecilia Valdez, Amalia Batista, La gran via, and more.

An art form similar to light opera, zarzuela encompasses instrumental music, song, dance, and spoken word. It originated in seventeenth century Spain but over time, evolved into an established set of traditions and forms and spread to Spanish-speaking countries such as Cuba and Mexico, each of which put their own stamp on the genre.

“It’s important to us to program zarzuela and take it into the community, “says Mitch Roe, FGO’s Artistic Administrator and Director of the Studio Artists Program. “It’s beautiful music that deserves to be enjoyed, it’s valued by the community, and quite simply, it’s fun.”

Face masks are required to be worn over the mouth and nose at all times.

Tickets are $25 general admission and may be purchased online at www.fgo.org/