By Juan Pablo Sebastián
From July 27 to Aug, 3, the State Center for the Arts in Rosarito will host the first Operatic Gathering, bringing together expert teachers, professional singers, and semi-professionals in a series of activities that will culminate with the Opera by the Sea.
In a press conference, Marco Antonio Nuño Sánchez, CEART Coordinator, emphasized that such events aim to position Rosarito as a destination for high-quality artistic events.
“Part of our mission in creating spaces for opera is to foster artistic development, spread opera to new audiences, strengthen the cultural community, and create connections between local, national, and international artists,” he said.
Armando Pesqueira, coordinator of the State Music System of Baja California, stated that this gathering is crucial for the musical-vocal development in the region, due to the interest in collaborating on projects aimed at offering better artistic services to the public and students.
This initiative seeks to integrate operatic culture in an accessible context for everyone.
“Breaking the elitism of the genre, it will offer a week of activities for all, focused on showcasing how a singer prepares and how an opera is staged,” commented Javier Carrillo, artistic coordinator of ENOR Rosarito.
On July 31, the grand concert “Il baccio di Tosca,” featuring scenes from the opera Tosca in commemoration of the centenary of Giacomo Puccini’s death, will be held. Highlighted performers include María Katzarava as Floria Tosca, César Sánchez as Mario Cavaradossi, and Carlos Conde as Il Barone Scarpia, accompanied by the Ghukasyan String Orchestra, Andrés Sarre on piano, and conducted by Armando Pesqueira, all of whom have extensive international careers.
The highlight will be the traditional “Opera by the Sea Festival” in its 12th edition, which will be free of charge and feature renowned masters with international careers and awards, including Aiko Yamada, Andrés Sarre, Carlos Conde González, María Katzarava, Mario Montenegro, and Iván Mares.
Additionally, prominent Baja Californian singers such as Norma Navarrete, Carla Portillo, Kelly Silva, Rebeca Peralta, Ana Laura Rojas, Lourdes Miranda, Alberto Estañol, José Luis Villarruel, Juan Carlos Rodríguez, Carlos Gutiérrez, and Guillermo Montecino, among others, will participate.
Opera by the Sea will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3, starting at 2pm in the CEART esplanade.