Opera San José Cast Change

Something apparently didn't work as expected in Opera San José's upcoming production of Florencia en el Amazonas, because Elizabeth Caballero is singing the title role and Marlen Nahhas is not.

If you've been around a while, you'll remember Caballero as an exciting soprano, with an extremely beautiful voice, in the Adler Fellowship program at SF Opera. She withdrew partway through the fellowship to launch her career, perhaps before she was a fully mature artist. She's been singing all over the U.S. since then. I'm so interested to hear what she sounds like now.

This is all very last minute; the production opens on April 20, less than two weeks from today. Here's the top of the press release:

SAN JOSÉ, CA (8 April 2024) — In a last-minute change, internationally acclaimed soprano Elizabeth Caballero will take over the title role in the Bay Area premiere of Daniel Catán’s captivating opera, Florencia en el Amazonas presented by Opera San José. The singer, whose work has been described as “a thrilling balance of pearly tone, exacting technique, and brazen physicality” (The New York Times) and “a find: her opulent soprano rings freely and lyrically throughout her range” (The Wall Street Journal) is stepping in to replace the originally announced soprano Marlen Nahhas. Said Opera San José General Director/CEO Shawna Lucey, “We wish Marlen all the best and we are profoundly grateful for Elizabeth, who is leaping to our aid to take on this important role for a historic moment for Opera San José as we present the first Spanish language opera on our mainstage.” Caballero, who has been seen at opera houses around the world including frequent starring roles at The Metropolitan Opera, is fortunately familiar with the role of Florencia. She has given critically acclaimed performances in Florencia en el Amazonas at Madison Opera, Nashville Opera, and New York City Opera where she was hailed as “stunning, singing with beautiful passion” (New York Classical Review) and “plush-toned, expressive” (The New York Times). Florencia en el Amazonas will be presented April 20 - May 5, 2024 (performance dates/times below) at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street, San José.  For more information or to purchase tickets ($55–$195), the public can visit operasj.org or call 408-437-4450 (open Monday through Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm).