Spanish opera brings sounds of Spain to Ohio during Hispanic Heritage Month

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Hispanic Heritage Month is underway, and the celebration is hitting a high note right here in the heart of Ohio.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, the sounds of Spain are filling Columbus. A Spanish opera company is bringing its talents to the city, offering a performance that highlights the rich culture and traditions of Spain.

Southern Theater is bringing a traditional Spanish opera to the stage, “Rappaccini’s Daughter.”

“The opera ‘La Hija De Rappaccini,’ first of all, it’s an opera in Espanol, and it’s essentially think a fairytale,” said Cecilia Violetta López.

López is singing the role of Beatriz, aka Rappaccini’s Daughter.

“If I were to go back in time and tell little me that I would be an opera singer in the future, I wouldn’t believe it,” López said.

It’s giving central Ohio audiences a taste of rich culture, dramatic storytelling and powerful music.

“This opera was the first Spanish opera composed by a Mexican composer,” López said.

The production highlights classic Spanish composers and features authentic costumes and composers. All designed to celebrate Hispanic heritage through the art of opera. 

“This specifically because it’s composed by a Mexican composer and me being Mexican American, it all hits, pulls at a lot of personal heartstrings for me so it’s really a privilege and an honor,” López said.

Organizers said it’s more than entertainment; it’s about sharing tradition and connecting the community. 

“These rehearsals and seeing what the culture and how much is thriving here and there’s so much richness in the city and its truly a treasure and I invite anyone whether you’re from Columbus, Ohio or not, it’s a truly magical place and you should come to the show,” López said.