Few things in life compare to the joy of seeing an old friend again—and that’s exactly how we feel welcoming Ana María Martínez back to our stage this season. 

You might know her from her recent, hilarious turn as Despina in Così fan tutte, but did you know Martínez is the soprano with the most performances at LA Opera? That’s right—80 performances so far, in 11 different roles. And with her return in Ainadamar, that number is about to grow even more. 

To celebrate this achievement and her remarkable season with us, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the soprano to ask her some questions about her career and memories at LA Opera. 

What was the process of getting your first role here at LA Opera? How has that differed now that you’ve formed a relationship with the company? 

"I remember, vividly, and with great warmth and joy, my role and company debut with LA Opera. It was Mimì in La Bohème, and the year was 1997. I was one of the winners of the Operalia Competition in 1995. Having experienced that success helped to continue to pave the way for new opportunities in different opera companies throughout the world. Each role and company debut were filled with anticipation, excitement and an enormous sense of responsibility; do the best artistic job possible, accompanied by the hope to be considered for future opportunities, with the further hope of becoming established in the field. I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to establish a solid and long-lasting artistic relationship with LA Opera." 

Ana Maria   Martínez   (right) with Greg Fedderly in our 1997 production of   “La Bohème”

What keeps drawing you back to perform at LA Opera? 

"LA Opera is a phenomenal company and where I truly love to work and create.  The entire team of each production that I have been a part of has been collaborative and supportive.  There is a genuine feeling of warmth that promotes freer and deeper artistic expression. " 

What are your favorite memories here? 

"I am blessed to have many favorite memories at LA Opera. Beyond the thrill of the productions, my favorite memories have more to do with the people who work here and the bonds we have created through the years. Some favorite productions include La Bohème, La Traviata, Don Carlo, El Gato Montés, El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, Così Fan Tutte, and now, I am thrilled about Ainadamar." 

Ana Maria Martínez in the title role of “Carmen”

"The start of learning any role is the same for me: establishing a connection with the piece. First, I focus on the story and synopsis, then I begin the exploration of the sonority of the piece. For this, I sit with the piano/vocal score and study the entire piece in order to understand my role in context. If a recording exists, I listen to it once for reference. I work on the diction. Soon after, I begin to work on the role vocally/technically with my voice teacher and with my coach. 

If it is a well-known piece, the music will come much faster and usually with many traditional approaches, while still making the interpretation my own. 

If it is a new or newer piece, the creative process is much more intricate, the preparation might take longer and is often deeper." 

Is there any advice you’d like to give to aspiring singers? 

"Sing on the lighter side of your repertoire as long as you can. You always want to make room for growth in your repertoire rather than peaking early." 

Ana Maria Martínez as Catrina in “El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego

"Creating, collaborating with other artists, learning and growing, and as I have begun my teaching career, keeping in mind that as I create and collaborate, I am doing so with younger generations and figuring out ways together of how to weave our stories through music and drama." 

Is there anything else you’d like to share? 

"I encourage audiences to ask themselves at the end of a performance if they feel any difference within themselves as they leave the theater, compared to how they felt when they arrived." 

We feel the exact same way and hope that you apply this advice when you watch Ana María Martínez’s powerhouse performance in Ainadamar. Find out more by clicking here.