But the language will be the common thread. “Some melodies will be familiar, some will be new discoveries. “We’ve named it ‘Pasión Latina’ because I think there’s a lot of joy and strength in passion,” Martínez said.

The artists say they’re grateful for the opportunity to bring the community together during the pandemic. “Well for me it’s fortunate and a privilege to sing in Spanish and show a little of Mexican culture by singing this song,” Vélez said. Originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, first-year soprano Denis Vélez has been a practicing opera singer for the past 11 years. “They’re recognized immediately by people and it’s almost like a sense of going back home when you hear them.” “These were songs that we’d dance to every night,” said Rivera, a third-year baritone.

For Ricardo Rivera, it was about singing songs highlighting his upbringing in Puerto Rico. “He’s a beautiful tenor and we’ve never sung together, so that experience was really beautiful.”įeaturing students from the Ryan Opera Program, each singer tried to choose songs that best reflect their talents. “Today I recorded a duet with David Portillo,” Martínez said.

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