Cecilia Violetta López has been named one of “Idaho’s Top 10 Most Influential Women of the Century” by USA Today and one of opera’s “25 Rising Stars” by Opera News.
Operatic soprano Cecilia López was born in Rupert, Idaho, a small farming community with a population of 5,000. Her father embarked on a risky journey from Mexico to the United States in the 1970s to chase the American dream. After settling in Idaho, he landed a job repairing heavy machinery and operating tractors. Later, López’s mother joined her husband in Idaho, and despite the difficulties they faced, the family flourished.
López remembers hoeing sugar beets as a young girl, listening to her mother singing in the fields. Her teenage artistic activities included dancing and singing mariachi music. She serendipitously moved to Las Vegas, and eventually received a degree as a music major at the University of Las Vegas.
Shortly after graduation, López was hired at Opera San José, where she performed many roles.
López has received accolades for her signature role of Violetta in “La Traviata,” which she has performed countless times throughout North America. She has now performed the role with Minnesota Opera, Opera Colorado, Opera Tampa, Opera Idaho, Ash Lawn Opera, The Northern Lights Music Festival, Madison Opera, Pacific Symphony, and Virginia Opera.
López will be performing the role of Violetta in “La Traviata” at the Florida Grand Opera on November 11, 12, 14, 30, and December 2.
Watch the entire engaging video conversation with Cecilia Violetta López on the website of our sister publication, ArtSpeak.
