Flavors of Spain
A special evening of operetta, zarzuela,
and beloved Spanish art song for soprano
and piano.
Léo Delibes: La Fille de Cadix
Sergei Rachmaninov: Ne Poi Krasavitsa Pri Mne
Joaquin Turina: Tres Poemas de Bequer
Amadeo Vives: Canta Ruiseñor (from the Zarzuela Doña Francisquita)
Ernesto Lecuona: Canta Ruiseñor
Ernesto Lecuona: Dame de Tus Rosas
Eduardo Sánchez de Fuentes: Mírame Así
Eduardo Sánchez de Fuentes: Habanera Tu
Ernesto Lecuona: El Faisaņ
Artist Spotlight: Interview Excerpts with Laura León & Robert Koenig
(click on the button below to watch these short video clips)
Laura León (soprano)
Ms. Laura Leon is a Cuban coloratura soprano acclaimed for her portrayal of the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s The Magic Flute. In December 2024 she portrayed the role with Florida Grand Opera and Opera News praised her as “a rare dramatic coloratura,” highlighting her “impressive range—from a solid mid-range to plush high notes—and impeccable technique, with spot-on roulades and dazzling staccatos.” Critic Robert Croan noted that her performance of the second-act aria “almost stopped the show.”
She is also celebrated for her performance of all four heroines in Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann, most recently with Opera Louisiane and Opera Orlando—an exceptional feat demonstrating her vocal versatility and dramatic command.
Robert Koenig (piano)
Now in his third decade as a much sought-after performing artist, Canadian pianist Robert Koenig has performed throughout the world to great acclaim as a collaborative pianist and chamber musician. His partnerships with many of today’s leading classical artists have seen him grace many of the world's most important stages. Of significance is Koenig’s frequent partnership with legendary late violinist Aaron Rosand that resulted in many successful recital tours throughout the world, in addition to a recorded legacy of live performances.
Co-presented with the FIU Wertheim School of Music.
Video highlights from our performing artists …