Vocal Star Joyce DiDonato to Visit Costa Rica and Perform in a Lyric Gala at the National Theatre Alongside Young Costa Rican Talents

The acclaimed American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, winner of multiple Grammy Awards and the 2018 Olivier Award for her distinguished operatic career, will captivate Costa Rican audiences in a performance scheduled for Friday, July 18 at 8 p.m. at the National Theatre of Costa Rica.

DiDonato is considered one of today’s most celebrated voices, renowned for her versatility and success in operas and concerts spanning from the Baroque era to the twenty-first century. She made her debut at La Scala in 2000, the Royal Opera House in 2003, and the Metropolitan Opera in 2005, to name a few of the world’s greatest musical venues. She has been called “the most dynamic singer of her generation” (The New Yorker) and “a 24-carat golden voice” (The Times).

Currently at the pinnacle of the industry, DiDonato thrives as a performer, producer, passionate arts advocate, and artistic activist. She is devoted to working with young singers. As an exclusive artist for Warner Classics, her discography is extensive.

She will appear in a grand lyric gala on Friday, July 18 at 8:00 p.m., on the stage of the National Theatre of Costa Rica, accompanied by pianist Calio Alonso, who also serves as Director of the National Lyric Company (CLN). The gala program will include arias and ensembles from some of the most beloved operas. The celebrated diva will share the stage with a cast of young Costa Rican talents selected by her, all members of the CLN’s high-level artistic training program “Ópera Estudio.” These singers include sopranos Gimena Sánchez and Cristina Mora, mezzo-soprano Karla Pineda, tenor David Fuentes, and baritone Kevin Godínez.

During her stay in Costa Rica, DiDonato will also offer two masterclasses for these promising young artists. These sessions will be free and open to the public until capacity is reached, held on July 16 and 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the foyer of the National Theatre.

Her visit to Costa Rica is the result of efforts by the Minister of Culture and Youth, Jorge Rodríguez Vives, and CLN Director Calio Alonso. During a visit to Teatro Real in Madrid in late 2024, the two held a meeting with the artist and succeeded in inspiring her to share her expertise with young Costa Rican singers and to perform in Costa Rica.

Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Costa Rica’s Minister of Culture and Youth, stated: “Joyce DiDonato’s visit marks a milestone in our country’s musical history. Since Pavarotti, Costa Rica has not hosted a lyric voice of such caliber. Her presence confirms that, between jungles and theatres, music flourishes, and that Costa Rica is ready to embrace artistic excellence as part of its identity and cultural projection.”

DiDonato herself expressed: “I am filled with joy to visit Costa Rica for the first time, a place I’ve always wanted to discover. Receiving the invitation from the Ministry of Culture and Youth to join the Ópera Estudio of the National Lyric Company for a few days of teaching and a gala concert, in a wonderful encounter of culture, music, learning, and community, is an experience I eagerly await. What a beautiful moment to gather and exchange beauty and trust. I deeply appreciate the invitation and the Ministry’s commitment and investment.”

Joyce DiDonato holds residencies at Carnegie Hall and London’s Barbican Centre. She has toured extensively across the United States, South America, Europe, and Asia. Her performances include collaborations with the Berlin Philharmonic under Sir Simon Rattle, the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique with Sir John Eliot Gardiner, the Philadelphia Orchestra with Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Santa Cecilia Academy Orchestra, and the U.S. National Youth Orchestra with Sir Antonio Pappano, among countless other leading conductors, ensembles, and artists.

General Program and Strategic Partners

Joyce DiDonato’s Lyric Gala is part of the program organized by the Ministry of Culture and Youth and the CLN to celebrate the CLN’s 45th anniversary. In addition to the concert and masterclasses, the same stage will host performances of the zarzuela “El barberillo de Lavapiés” on July 25, 27, 29, and 30, as well as August 1 and 3.

All these activities are promoted by the Ministry of Culture and Youth and presented by the National Lyric Company of the National Music Center, alongside the National Theatre of Costa Rica.

This initiative would not be possible without the dedicated support of various strategic partners such as VILLA HERMES, ORIGINS, CLÍNICA BÍBLICA, Luxurien, and Toribio & Donato. The institution extends its thanks to each of them.

Ticket Sales for the Grand Lyric Concert

Tickets for Joyce DiDonato’s performance are available via the digital and physical box offices of the National Theatre, with prices ranging from ₡10,000 to ₡18,000 colones.

A 20% discount will be offered to students with a valid ID and senior citizens purchasing tickets at the physical box office. BRETE cardholders will benefit from a 50% discount.