Catalina Cuervo
A Study in Femininity and Power
Dear Catalina,
How does it feel knowing that you have performed the most productions of Piazzolla’s Maria de Buenos Aires in the world?
“Maria de Buenos Aires” has been one of the greatest accomplishments in my life, one that I always dreamed of but also one that came to me relatively “easily”. It's as if Piazzolla himself wanted it that way. God and the Universe made everything work perfectly for that to happen, really. I feel truly blessed and humbled by all the opportunities, amazing companies and people I’ve had the pleasure to meet and work with because of Piazzolla's Maria.
Was it a childhood dream becoming an opera singer? What's next?
My dream is still to continue being an opera singer and to conquer more cities and opera houses. I still dream of singing so many other roles that I haven’t done yet. I just love performing so much. I always want to stay relevant and onstage until the day I die. Also on the other hand, I am a Symphonic Metal singer and there are so many big stages in the world that I haven’t conquered... I dream of those every day, too. I have my eyes on Waken Festival, for example.
Who are the singers and artists whose careers and lifestyles inspire you?
Renata Tebaldi, Maria Callas, Placido Domingo, Anna Netrebko, Monserrat Caballero, Tarja, Floor Jensen.
Who are the people whose support has been essential on your journey?
First, my parents and my husband Cristian Londoño. Second, my teacher Judith Haddon, Hugo Restrepo, Elbio Barilari producer of my first Maria, Evans Mirageas at Cincinnati Opera, David DiChiera, Scott Gilmore, Brian Dickie, Susan Danis and so many more that I can’t name them all.
What are the organizations you love working with and which ones do you want to join in the near future?
I’ve loved working in every single Opera House and Symphony Orchestra I’ve been at and I am very thankful to each and everyone of them for the opportunities they’ve given me. But if I have to choose favorites, I definitely love working with Florida Grand Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Atlanta Opera and Michigan Opera Theater. They have been essential in my career. I still dream of singing at The Metropolitan Opera in New York, Opera Colombia in Bogota and to go back to New York City Opera.
What venues and places have the right energy that you never get tired of?
Detroit! I love Detroit and I love working for both the Opera House and the Symphony.
Getting back to your role as a singer, in your opinion, what's the role of opera and classical music in today’s reality?
Opera is still the most powerful and most Grand art form in the world. It is the only art form that can truly put you in touch with who you are, where you come from and what are you made of, elevating all your senses with real live experiences.
In a world where everything is digital and sometimes cold and very often not unique, having the standard of Opera singers and Classical Music Musicians maintain high standards for the Music and Theater Industries. Nowadays it is sad to see us turning more towards machine made art. That's lacking real talent and not creating much emotion. There are still millions of us who seek watching and hearing the greatest artists and only the classical forms continue to stride for that.
What other types of music do you listen to?
Rock, Symphonic Metal, Metal and Jazz.
What are some of the most exciting events you are looking forward to?
I have an upcoming tour this summer in Colombia with my band of Symphonic Metal. We are almost Sold Out and it is going to be grand! People are really excited about it! Also, I'll perform the title role FRIDA with my beloved Atlanta Opera.
Do you have a favorite word or expression you wish you used more often?
Rock on!
Thank you and good luck! Hope to see you in NY soon!
How does it feel knowing that you have performed the most productions of Piazzolla’s Maria de Buenos Aires in the world?
“Maria de Buenos Aires” has been one of the greatest accomplishments in my life, one that I always dreamed of but also one that came to me relatively “easily”. It's as if Piazzolla himself wanted it that way. God and the Universe made everything work perfectly for that to happen, really. I feel truly blessed and humbled by all the opportunities, amazing companies and people I’ve had the pleasure to meet and work with because of Piazzolla's Maria.
Was it a childhood dream becoming an opera singer? What's next?
My dream is still to continue being an opera singer and to conquer more cities and opera houses. I still dream of singing so many other roles that I haven’t done yet. I just love performing so much. I always want to stay relevant and onstage until the day I die. Also on the other hand, I am a Symphonic Metal singer and there are so many big stages in the world that I haven’t conquered... I dream of those every day, too. I have my eyes on Waken Festival, for example.
Who are the singers and artists whose careers and lifestyles inspire you?
Renata Tebaldi, Maria Callas, Placido Domingo, Anna Netrebko, Monserrat Caballero, Tarja, Floor Jensen.
Who are the people whose support has been essential on your journey?
First, my parents and my husband Cristian Londoño. Second, my teacher Judith Haddon, Hugo Restrepo, Elbio Barilari producer of my first Maria, Evans Mirageas at Cincinnati Opera, David DiChiera, Scott Gilmore, Brian Dickie, Susan Danis and so many more that I can’t name them all.
What are the organizations you love working with and which ones do you want to join in the near future?
I’ve loved working in every single Opera House and Symphony Orchestra I’ve been at and I am very thankful to each and everyone of them for the opportunities they’ve given me. But if I have to choose favorites, I definitely love working with Florida Grand Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Atlanta Opera and Michigan Opera Theater. They have been essential in my career. I still dream of singing at The Metropolitan Opera in New York, Opera Colombia in Bogota and to go back to New York City Opera.
What venues and places have the right energy that you never get tired of?
Detroit! I love Detroit and I love working for both the Opera House and the Symphony.
Getting back to your role as a singer, in your opinion, what's the role of opera and classical music in today’s reality?
Opera is still the most powerful and most Grand art form in the world. It is the only art form that can truly put you in touch with who you are, where you come from and what are you made of, elevating all your senses with real live experiences.
In a world where everything is digital and sometimes cold and very often not unique, having the standard of Opera singers and Classical Music Musicians maintain high standards for the Music and Theater Industries. Nowadays it is sad to see us turning more towards machine made art. That's lacking real talent and not creating much emotion. There are still millions of us who seek watching and hearing the greatest artists and only the classical forms continue to stride for that.
What other types of music do you listen to?
Rock, Symphonic Metal, Metal and Jazz.
What are some of the most exciting events you are looking forward to?
I have an upcoming tour this summer in Colombia with my band of Symphonic Metal. We are almost Sold Out and it is going to be grand! People are really excited about it! Also, I'll perform the title role FRIDA with my beloved Atlanta Opera.
Do you have a favorite word or expression you wish you used more often?
Rock on!
Thank you and good luck! Hope to see you in NY soon!
