Vanessa Alonzo’s journey from the Houston area to a successful career in both mariachi and opera is nothing short of inspiring. After growing up taking mariachi classes at MECA, a local non-profit organization, Vanessa made waves when she won the top prize at the 1999 Mariachi Extravaganza, known then as the “Best in the U.S.” competition, now called the “Grand Champion.” This early recognition set the stage for what would become a remarkable career.

Her breakthrough came when Leonard Foglia, and the late José “Pepe” Martinez, Sr., collaborated on the creation of the mariachi opera Cruzar La Cara de la Luna (To Cross the Face of the Moon). Vanessa auditioned for the role of Lupita and landed the part, marking her opera debut in 2011. Since then, her career has flourished, especially with the Houston Grand Opera, where she’s enjoyed a 15-year tenure. Remarkably, Vanessa was given an aria in her very first performance—an honor typically reserved for highly accomplished opera singers.

Vanessa has graced stages worldwide, including the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France; the Wortham Center’s Brown Theater in Houston, Texas; and the Teatro Nacional Sucre in Quito, Ecuador. She’s worked with prestigious opera companies such as the San Diego Opera, Arizona Opera, and Ft. Worth Opera, alongside renowned artists like Octavio Moreno and Ceci Duarte.

For those who want to learn from Vanessa herself, she’ll be offering a FREE vocal workshop on Saturday, September 28, from 4-5 PM. Open to all students, this workshop will provide a unique opportunity to hear Vanessa’s story, ask questions, and gain insights into how she bridges the worlds of mariachi and opera. Vanessa will also share valuable vocal tips and techniques, giving attendees a chance to learn from her extensive professional experience. Thanks to OPERA San Antonio, this event is free, but registration is encouraged.

Additionally, don’t miss the chance to see Vanessa in action during her performance in Cruzar La Cara de la Luna on October 3rd and October 5th at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio. Special student prices and group tickets are available for these performances, offering an accessible way to experience this captivating opera.

Register here for the workshop and secure your tickets for the show to be part of this incredible celebration of both mariachi and opera! Both the workshop and shows will take place at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts located at 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, Texas 78205.

Special student prices and group tickets are offered as follows:

• $15 Child (12 or under) Ticket (in person only, any seat in the house with the purchase of 1 full priced adult ticket)
• $20 Students Rush Tickets (in person only, day of show of only, any available seat in the house)
• Groups of 10+ receive 10% off (must email groups@tobincetner.org to make a reservation)
• Groups of 20+ receive 20% off (must email groups@tobincetner.org to make a reservation)

Tickets can be purchased at TobinCenter.org.

On a personal note, I last saw this opera when it first premiered in Houston in 2011 and I absolutely loved it. The music is beautiful, the singing is breathtaking and the story is heartfelt and familiar to many of us living in South Texas. I highly recommend putting this event on your calendar and attending for an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Read more about Vanessa Alonzo:

MNOpera – Vanessa Alonzo

Arizona Opera – Arizona Opera Cast Members and Creatives