Artist Name: Valeria Farrera
Voice type: mezzo soprano
Role you’re singing this year: Prince Charming in  Cendrillon

Where are you from? How did you first get interested in opera or musical theatre? 

I’m from Mexico City, I’ve started studying violin at 8 years old and I was part of the Childrens choir of Mexican Republic for 6 years and I fell in love with opera.

When did you start studying voice? Where are you studying now?

I’ve started my voice studies at University Escuela Superior de Musica in the Bel canto and opera Academy when I was 17 years old and I’ve finished university two years ago.

What came first for you, theatre or music?

I think both, maybe for me is easier to go first with music but it is not less important to get involved with the role I’m singing and with the whole story. I love when acting and singing can mix together, that’s one of the reasons I love opera.

What are your dream roles?

I have so many dream roles, but I definitely love doing role pants, I have a lot of fun! One of my most desired roles was in fact the Prince Charming from Cendrillon so imagine how excited I am to be doing it. My 3 favourite composers are Händel, Mozart and Massenet so I’ll mention 3 roles I really want to do in my life: Sextus from Giulio Cesare, Idamante from Idomeneo and Charlotte from Werther.

What arias or roles belonging to another voice type would you love to perform?

I’ve always wanted to sing Count Almaviva Aria “Hai gia vinta la causa” I love baritone roles so much. Some entire roles from another voice type I wish I could do would be Violetta, Fiordiligi and… Nemorino!

Who are your favourite performing artists?

The first opera Singer I’ve Heard in my life was Cecilia Bartoli so she’s my most admired Singer and her voice is a great reference for me. I’m a huge fan of Joyce DiDonato, Elina Garanca, Diana Damrau, Alice Coote and Sarah Conolly.

How can we keep opera a relevant art form for young people? What is the future of opera?

I think opera has to keep fresh and actual. I love when operas are adapted to our time and I see young people enjoying opera when they feel close to it, so I think we have to hear what audiences want there are a lot of operas and a lot of ways to make the same opera so we have to let people know they can love this art.

What are you most looking forward to about this summer?

I’m so excited to know other young artists from another countries, to sing in another country, to learn from everyone and of course to have the best time doing what I love the most that is singing.

Anything else?

I know this experience will be in my heart for ever and I will learn so much and have a great time with everyone there at Halifax, looking forward to be there!

Thanks, Val! Are you a participant or staff member this year? Why not submit your own answers to our questionnaire!