The fabulous Vanessa (Cerda) Alonso is sharing her talents in Paris, France as part of the Houston Grand Opera’s cast from “To Cross the Face of the Moon.” The Houston native sings mariachi with the opera in 6 shows Sept. 16-28 at the Theatre du Chatlet along with the Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan and 7 other cast members representing the Houston Grand Opera.

Vanessa Alonso was selected by Mariachi Vargas as the “Best Mariachi Vocalist in the US” back in 1999 during the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in San Antonio when she was only 18 years old. Now, at 29, her voice is simply magnificent. Vanessa sings traditional mariachi in the opera, and sings so well, that the Houston Grand Opera (HGO) added to her roll. HGO asked Mariachi Vargas’ musical director, Jose “Pepe” Martinez, Sr., to write her an entire song that was added to the original opera that premiered in Houston at the Wortham Center, Brown Theater, last November.

Vanessa plays the role of Lupita in the fully staged opera with costumes designed from the 60’s. Her vocal style is full and simply spectacular. Vanessa credits MECCA’s Executive Director Alice Valdez, and her associate Liz Salinas, for the opportunity to perform with the opera along with Alfonso Guerra and her parents Maria Dolores and Concepcion Cerda.

Vanessa will be in San Antonio November 27-December 4 for the 17th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. She will conduct vocal workshops, along with Mariachi Vargas, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Friday, December 2 and plans to attend the vocal competition on Saturday, December 3 at the newly renovated Lila Cockrell Theater.

On behalf of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza staff, volunteers and everyone involved, we are so proud of this 29 year old prodigy and we look forward to hearing all about your experiences in Paris in San Antonio during the Extravaganza.