Amelia Sierra: Voice of Mexico, Soul of the Opera
By Eugenio Amézquita Velasco
With a career that interweaves vocal excellence, pedagogy, and cultural commitment, Amelia Sierra has established herself as one of the most influential mezzo-sopranos in the Mexican operatic scene.
Academic Roots and International Training
Born in Mexico City, Sierra studied music at the Escuela Superior de Música of INBA, where she stood out for her discipline and interpretive sensitivity. Her training was enriched through workshops and masterclasses in New York, where she continues to develop her voice informally.
Her international mentors include:
- Magda Olivero, legend of Italian verismo
- Montserrat Caballé, bel canto icon
- Dalton Baldwin, world-renowned pianist
- Joan Dornemann, vocal coach at the Metropolitan Opera
- Fiorenza Cossotto, celebrated Italian mezzo-soprano
Lesser-Known Roles and Premieres
In addition to more widely known roles, Sierra has performed in lesser-seen works in Mexico, such as:
- Il prigioniero by Luigi Dallapiccola (2004, Bellas Artes), an avant-garde opera with strong political content
- Kindertotenlieder by Gustav Mahler, sung in emotionally rich chamber recitals
- The Maid of Orleans by Tchaikovsky, portraying Joan of Arc in a concert version
She has also skillfully interpreted French and German repertoire, including:
- Werther by Massenet
- Liebestod by Liszt, adapted for mezzo-soprano and piano
- Prés des remparts de Séville, Carmen’s aria by Bizet, available on her official YouTube channel
Collaborations and Recordings
Her partnership with pianist Carlos Pecero has been key to promoting Mexican and Spanish chamber music. Together, they’ve performed in:
- Radio UNAM
- San Miguel de Allende Chamber Music Festival
- University of Toronto, where she presented a program of zarzuela and Mexican song
In 2016, she took part in the world premiere recording of Misa de seis by Carlos Jiménez Mabarak, conducted by Juan Trigos, a work of considerable value in the Mexican sacred music repertoire.
Cultural Outreach and New Audiences
Sierra has been a tireless promoter of opera for non-traditional audiences. Noteworthy projects include:
- Children’s opera tours sponsored by CONACULTA, adapting classic works for school audiences
- The founding of Ópera para Tampico (OPTA), a company aimed at decentralizing operatic offerings in Mexico
Concert “Trayectoria 25/30 – Celebración a dúo”
One of the most significant milestones in her recent career was the recital held on September 23, 2023, at the Manuel M. Ponce Hall of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, alongside pianist Sergio Vázquez. The program featured:
- La regata veneziana by Rossini
- Variations on “Non più mesta” by Henri Herz
- Da, chas nastal from The Maid of Orleans (Tchaikovsky)
- Werther! Qui m’aurait dit (Massenet)
- Liebestod (Liszt)
- Kindertotenlieder (Mahler)
The recital not only marked her 25th career anniversary but also reaffirmed her commitment to artistic excellence and renewing the vocal repertoire.
Teaching and Legacy
Since 1996, Sierra has taught at the Escuela Superior de Música of INBA, and since 1997 at the Conservatorio de Música de Celaya, where she has trained new generations of singers. Her pedagogical approach combines vocal technique, stagecraft, and historical awareness of the repertoire.
Additional Recognitions
In addition to previously mentioned awards, she’s also been recognized by:
- The National Coordination of Music and Opera (1996), for her contribution to vocal art
- The University of Guanajuato’s Education for the Arts Program, which awarded her research and outreach grants
Digital Presence
Amelia Sierra maintains an official YouTube channel where she shares recordings of arias, recitals, and interviews. Among her most viewed videos are:
- Zapateando (La Tarántula), a piece of traditional Mexican music
- Ah! Franchigia a Floria Tosca, from Puccini’s Tosca
- Ed io veniva a lui, from Suor Angelica
Amelia Sierra has not only given life to opera’s great heroines but has also woven a lasting legacy of training, cultural memory, and vocal renewal in Mexican music. Her impact continues to grow—across scores, stages, and generations of artists who recognize her as a mentor and guiding light.
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