Cuban, Ecuadorian Soprano Sandra Lopez Takes Center Stage at “Florencia en el Amazonas”
By: Cindy G. Castillo
Sandra Lopez’ love for music and opera in particular has been around for almost 20 years.
Born in New York City from Ecuadorian and Cuban parents, Lopez has already made a name for herself around the world by taking part in critically-acclaimed performances.
Some of her most notable include touring next to Andrea Bocelli, performing the Verdi Requiem, Strauss’ Four Last Songs, Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, among others.
“My favorite part [about being on stage] is the contact and communication with the audience,” she said. “The one thing I do before stepping out on stage is to thank God for the opportunity to be of use and of service, and for the ability to make music come alive for others.”
Now, the Valley of the Sun is being graced with Lopez’ talents in the upcoming production, “Florencia en el Amazonas” to take place at Phoenix Symphony Hall this November 13th through the 15th.
Lopez will be in charge of playing the main role of Florencia, a character whom she admitted feeling a close connection to in the play.
“I relate to [Florencia], and her dedication to her art and to music. What I like most is that she is a woman first — a woman searching for meaning, purpose and love.”
“Florencia en el Amazonas” is a journey through the physical and mystical worlds of love, desire, and the mighty Amazon River. The story follows Florencia Grimaldi as she travels through an enchanted rainforest with hopes to find her long lost lover, a butterfly hunter who disappeared in the jungle so many years ago.
“It’s not just an opera, but there is dance, special effects, spectacular costumes, and an unforgettable score of some of the most sensual, evocative music you can imagine,” she gushed.
“Florencia en el Amazonas” is also the first opera with a Latin-American heroine, and the first-ever opera commissioned in the United States in Spanish.
Less than a week away from its opening, Lopez’ describes the musical score by Mexican composer Daniel Catan as a “feast for the eyes.”
“Florencia en el Amazonas” is one performance you do not want to miss; and it’s coming to the Valley this weekend. For more information or to buy tickets, click here.
Date/Time: November 13th and 14th at 7:30 p.m. and November 15th and 2 p.m.
Location:
Symphony Hall
75 N. 2nd St.
Phoenix, Ariz. 85004
Tickets start at $25
