Telling Stories through Music and Dance
A night of irresistible rhythm, soaring voices, and shared celebration, Noche de Serenatas brings together the passion of Spanish Zarzuela and the electrifying sound of Mariachi in one unforgettable evening. Opera, folk tradition, dance, and chorus intertwine as Opera Idaho joins forces with Mariachi Sol de Acapulco, Biotzetik Basque Choir, Flamenco Idaho, and internationally acclaimed Latin-American crossover vocalists Maria Brea and Octavio Moreno under the dynamic direction of Cuban-American conductor, Iván del Prado. From sweeping melodies to fiery dance and festive ensemble moments, this is music meant to be felt as much as heard. Experience Spanish and Latin American musical traditions not as separate worlds, but as one vibrant celebration of the rich musical traditions that shape our stories.
Maria Brea
Venezuelan Soprano
Making her Opera Idaho debut, Maria is celebrated for her radiant voice, expressive artistry, and captivating stage presence. Deeply connected to the music of Spain and Latin America, she was awarded Best Zarzuela Singer at the Tenor Viñas Competition.
A graduate of The Juilliard School, Maria has performed on renowned stages including Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera, and continues to build an international career defined by warmth, versatility, and emotional connection with audiences.
Octavio Moreno
Mexican-American baritone
Octavio made his Opera Idaho debut at Opera in the Park 2024. He is celebrated for his rich, expressive voice and captivating stage presence. A leading interpreter of Spanish and Latin American repertoire, he has created roles in works such as El Pasado Nunca Se Termina, bringing these stories to life with warmth, passion, and authenticity.
Octavio has performed with major companies including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, and New York City Opera, as well as on stages across Mexico and Europe.
Iván del Prado
Conductor
A distinguished Cuban-American conductor, Iván is acclaimed for his interpretations of Romantic and 20th-century repertoire across symphonic, operatic, and ballet stages. His career has included collaborations with artists such as José Carreras and Victoria de Los Angeles, and engagements with companies including the Cuban National Ballet and the Staatsoper Unter den Linden Ballet. A dedicated educator, he founded the Cuban National Youth Orchestras and has taught internationally throughout the Americas and Europe.
Kelli Brown
Flamenco Idaho artistic director
A dynamic dancer, choreographer, and educator, Kelli Brown is the founder of Off Center Dance and Artistic Director of Flamenco Idaho. Her work spans modern dance and flamenco, with extensive study in Spain supported by multiple grants. She has choreographed more than 30 works, performed nationally, and taught at institutions including Boise State University and Idaho Arts Charter School. Brown holds advanced degrees in dance and has received numerous regional and national arts fellowships.
Biotzetic Basque Choir
Founded in 1986, Biotzetik, meaning “from the heart,” is the only regularly rehearsing Basque choir in the United States. Based in Boise, Idaho, the ensemble preserves and shares Basque language and choral traditions, with performances ranging from Jaialdi and Festara! with the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Biotzetik has been under the direction of Patty Gabica Haas since 1998 and is a recipient of the Idaho Governor’s Award in the Arts.
Mariachi Sol de Acapulco
Founded in 1984, Mariachi Sol de Acapulco is a professional ensemble dedicated to promoting cultural awareness through traditional mariachi music. The group has performed for former Mexican President Vicente Fox and notable figures including Tom Hanks and Bill Gates, and has collaborated with renowned ensembles such as Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán and Los Camperos de Nati Cano, as well as recording artists Yolanda del Río and Erasmo Catarino.
Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo
Founded in 2003, Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo is a Boise-based dance company dedicated to preserving and sharing Mexican folk dance traditions. Through vibrant costumes, dynamic choreography, and regionally inspired repertoire, the ensemble brings to life the music and movement of Mexico’s cultural heritage. They perform throughout Idaho and beyond, fostering cultural pride and community connection through dance.