Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecilia Duarte.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cecilia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, and I have lived in Houston for 15 years. I come from a family of musicians so I was always surrounded by music of all kinds. I grew up singing popular music, and some musical theatre. My journey has been somewhat unconventional, and a little out of order. I have been singing professionally for about 20 years. My most significant projects involve early music, contemporary opera, and jazz.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t believe there’s a smooth road for anything that is worth doing. There are sacrifices along the way. I can tell that in my case, I have lived far from my family, and my country for more than half of my life already. Working to achieve my goals has been tough, since sometimes I’ve had to do it alone. Taking risks is not easy, like suddenly deciding to change your path completely to see what else you can find as an artist. It was all worth it and came with rewards, though. I have found a home in Houston, and I have created a beautiful family with my husband and daughter, and some amazing friends.
It is still important to make sacrifices to keep the career going. My husband and I work very hard, (we both are musicians) so we sacrifice a lot of our family time, and our daughter is a trooper when it comes to understanding what we do. The upside of this is that when we are together, we make it count.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Cecilia Duarte, Mezzo-Soprano – what should we know?
I think I have come to a place where I have been able to establish my place in the city as a versatile singer. I like to say that I am s singer of early, and contemporary music, and everything in between. Although I have worked inside and outside of the country, one of my goals as a local singer is to be able to collaborate with the musical ensembles we have in Houston. We don’t really know, but we live in a great city where our companies are recognized nationally and internationally.
I have had the honor of working with Houston Grand Opera. For the last 10 years, I have been able to create roles of new operas commissioned by the company. One of these operas was ‘Cruzar la Cara de la Luna” the first opera with Mariachi music. Last year we also premiered the first web opera episode, “Boundless” as part of a web opera series, “Star Cross’d” that will be made in the next years. I find it exciting to being part of new concepts in the opera world, and break new ground to keep opera interesting to new audiences.
I also sing early music, which has always been one music genre I loved. I get to do this with Ars Lyrica, and Mercury. Not so often, but quite steady, I get to sing Jazz with Mr. Paul English, and also, I have gotten to premiere some of his chamber music works. I like being able to perform music from various time periods. I believe that one style can definitely feed the other, and this helps me sing better. There is so much music being made in this city, and there are so many wonderful musicians here, that it’s always enriching to make music with them.
I am constantly invited as a guest soloist in recitals, recordings, and special events with other groups in town. This is a sign for me that people accept and have a positive reception to my work, no matter what style of music I get to perform.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My husband is definitely my biggest supporter. being a musician himself, he knows how important is it for me to improve my work and invest time in doing so. We support each other and cheer each other on. My family back in Mexico is always a reminder of how important it is to work hard, and loving what I do, as well as keeping my feet well grounded on the floor. My voice teacher, soprano Cynthia Clayton has been not only a great instructor but also a role model, as she manages beautiful her personal and professional life.
As she gets older, my daughter has been a great source of strength for me. Being able to see her in the audience when I sing feels my spirit. Every person that extends an invitation to work with them, is a confirmation for me that things are going well, and that hard work pays off. Last but not least, people that support me, and comes to wherever I perform, that follows me on social media, and sends words of appreciation are a great incentive too!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ceciliaduartemezzosoprano.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecilia_duarte_mezzo_soprano/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Duarte.Mezzo/?ref=bookmarks
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOJsef9E-lIsrJRLJbV6vNg?view_as=subscriber
Image Credit:
Shannon Langman
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
