Rafael Quirant opens his 2026–27 season with a major career milestone: performing the role of Cherubino in Mozart’s celebrated opera The Marriage of Figaro at Ópera de Tenerife, becoming the first sopranista—a male voice with a soprano range—to interpret this role in a major Spanish theater. Performances will take place between October 11 and 17, under the stage direction of Marta Pazos, the musical direction of Pablo González, and alongside a top-tier cast.
The role of Cherubino is one of the most beloved in the Mozartian repertoire and one of opera’s quintessential trouser roles—traditionally performed by mezzosopranos. This production’s decision to cast a sopranist to bring this male role to life adds a new physical, vocal, and dramatic dimension to the character, posing an exciting challenge for the performer while offering a fresh perspective on the role.
Reflecting on the engagement, Quirant stated: “I feel a great deal of responsibility as a male voice interpreting Cherubino in a major Spanish opera house. With all due respect to the great female performers of this role, I believe my approach can offer a distinct scenic dimension: the audience will encounter a man portraying an adolescent in the full throes of self-discovery, the awakening of sexuality, and universal emotions we can all connect with. I believe this particular feature will prove compelling and offer a new vantage point on the character.”
His engagement in Tenerife marks the start of a pivotal season for the artist, defined by major operatic milestones. Key among them are his debuts in Teatre Principal de Palma’s opera season as Ruggiero in Vivaldi’s Orlando furioso, and with ABAO Bilbao Ópera as the Musician in Manon Lescaut. Quirant continues to solidify his position as one of the most promising voices of the new generation of classical singers, with a broad repertoire spanning Baroque, bel canto, Spanish song, and oratorio.
