Cecilia Valdes

A landmark of Cuban musical theater returns to the stage in a concert adaptation honoring one of the genre’s most celebrated works. Cecilia Valdés, presented by Marti Productions, Inc., will be performed at The Moss Center on Saturday, October 11 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 12 at 4:30 p.m.

Composed by Gonzalo Roig and premiered in 1932, this Cuban zarzuela remains a cornerstone of the Hispanic operatic tradition. Presented in Spanish and marking Hispanic Heritage Week 2025, the production features artistic direction by Manny Albelo and musical direction by Marlene Urbay, who conducts the Florida Chamber Orchestra. Cuban-American soprano Église Gutiérrez stars in the title role on Saturday, with Puerto Rican soprano Marinel Cruz taking the role on Sunday. Uruguayan tenor Martin Nusspaumer performs as Leonardo de Gamboa on both nights. The production also includes choreography by the IFÉ-ILÉ Afro Cuban Ballet Company, directed by Neri Torres, and choral performances by Voices of Miami under the direction of Greisel Domínguez.

Cecilia Valdés is presented in collaboration with the Miami-Dade County Auditorium’s Away From Home series, which brings performances to alternative venues while the MDCA undergoes renovations.