This summer, Ailyn Pérez sings Juliette in a new production of Roméo et Juliette in her highly anticipated return to Santa Fe Opera. Ms. Pérez was recently seen in recital in Santa Fe for the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and her last appearance with SFOpera took place in 2011 with her acclaimed performances as Marguerite in Gounod’s Faust. Roméo et Juliette performances take place July 16, 20, 29 & August 4, 9, 16, 25, 2016, featuring a new staging directed by Stephen Lawless and set and costume designs by Ashley Martin-Davis, with chief conductor Harry Bicket leading the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra.
Ms. Pérez can also be seen in two YouTube video features previewing the opera: Behind the Music: Ailyn Pérez on ‘Roméo et Juliette‘ and Becoming Juliette, filmed on location in New Mexico. Her previous portrayals of the role have been heralded by audiences and critics alike:
“Pérez’s lyric soprano is pure and honeyed in tone, and she deploys it with elegance and tenderness … Pérez is also a natural actress, embodying both Juliette’s girlish high spirits and her growing maturity under the influence of love.”
– Associated Press [Opera Company of Philadelphia]
“Pérez captured the persona, with insouciance and glamor. Her voice has coloratura brightness and richer color than ever before.”
– Opera Critic [Opera Company of Philadelphia]
“. . . Pérez won over the open-night audience with her sparkling “Je veux vivre” aria, establishing immediately her coloratura credentials and her character’s volatile nature.”
– San Diego Arts, March 2010 [San Diego Opera]