Cristina María is a sought-after performer equally at home in the worlds of both classical music and musical theatre. An avid champion of new music, she has had the honor of originating and creating roles across genres, and she has workshopped countless other works.
Cristina Maria will perform the role of SUNNY in this west coast premiere performance.
Music by Laura Kaminsky
Libretto by David Cote
This intimate chamber opera sheds light on the tragedy of dementia and all those it touches. Lili, an elderly singer and composer with early dementia, struggles with her son, Dante, who has given up his career as a pianist to care for her. Dr. Klugman's study on music and memory brings Sunny, a young clarinetist, into their orbit. What is the connection between music and memory? Facing the challenge of this all-too-human condition demands the utmost in courage and sacrifice.
Composer Laura Kaminsky (As One), known for addressing social issues in her work, is “one of the top 35 female composers in classical music” (The Washington Post). Joined by playwright, librettist, and arts journalist David Cote, this production marks the West Coast premiere of this powerful and intimate opera.
Music at Co-Cath continues The Unity Series with a special holiday concert titled "Bach's Messiah," featuring the MACC Ensemble performing Johann Sebastian Bach’s Motets and selections from his Christmas Oratorio, with orchestrations by MACC Composer in Residence, Santiago Gutiérrez. The concert will also feature an original overture composed by Gutiérrez, providing an ornamental prelude to Bach’s classic works. MACC is also thrilled to welcome back Talia Feldberg to direct the staging of this production - you will remember her work from last season's LANG/POULENC: The Little Match Girl Passion + Mass in G and Lenten Motets. This festive event is free to the public, with donations encouraged to support the mission of Music at Co-Cath.
Bach's Messiah will tell the story of the nativity through a reimagined programming of the composer's historic, uplifting and spiritually resonant works, celebrating the joy and togetherness of the holiday season. Known for their rich harmonic complexity, Bach’s Motets showcase vocal brilliance and deep emotional expression, while selections from the Christmas Oratorio evoke the wonder and warmth of Christmas. The MACC Ensemble, led by Dr. Alejandro Zuleta, will offer a transcendent musical experience, perfect for the holiday season, as, “not your average church choir” performs, “not your average Messiah.”
“We are thrilled to share the timeless beauty of Bach’s music during this special time of year, as we curate his works to tell the nativity story” said Dr. Zuleta. “Bach's Messiah allows us to reflect on the themes of joy, hope, and renewal, which are central to our season and to the unity we aim to foster through music.”
Cristina Maria will perform the role of JOHANNA in Sweeney Todd.
Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd as Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning thriller makes its professional Bozeman debut. The infamous tale of Fleet Street’s vengeance-seeking barber features razor-sharp lyrics and piping-hot musical drama. This unforgettable theatrical experience will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Cristina Maria is Associate Director of MACC and performs as the soprano in the MACC Ensemble.
Music at Co-Cath are thrilled to bring back the critically-acclaimed “El Oratorio Panhispánico,” composed by our very own Alejandro Zuleta, this season. The MACC Ensemble premiered this beautiful work in our 2022-23 season, showcasing the diverse musical culture of Hispanic immigrants, and we are honored to present it once again in 2025.
Cristina Maria will perfom the role of MARIA in West Side Story.
In an exciting return to the Indianapolis Zoo, with an original onsite design inspired by the beautiful Bicentennial Pavilion, Indianapolis Opera presents a beloved musical classic, West Side Story! A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story is set in 1950s New York, where growing racial tensions between the Sharks, a gang of first-generation Puerto Rican immigrants, and the Jets, made up of ‘American’ boys, lead to an all-out street fight over territory. Meanwhile Tony, best friend of the Jets’ leader Riff, and Maria, sister to Shark’s leader Bernardo, unwittingly fall in love at a neighborhood dance, despite their differing backgrounds. But the purity of their love is challenged as chaos, prejudice, and tragedy churn around them. Boasting a brilliant score from Leonard Bernstein and libretto from Stephen Sondheim with famous numbers, like “Maria,” “Tonight,” and “Somewhere,” this production features an internationally acclaimed cast and shares a hope for peace in trying times.
Cristina Maria will perform the role of FRASQUITA in Carmen.
The wild, free-spirited Carmen seduces a naïve soldier, Don José. After he deserts his regiment and turns smuggler for her, she tires of him and pursues the dashing bullfighter Escamillo. Maddened by jealousy, Don José confronts the fickle Carmen – will she survive his rage?
Cristina Maria will perform the role of PAQUETTE and cover CUNEGONDE.
Cristina Maria will perform the role of SUNNY in this world premiere performance. Music by Laura Kaminsky - Libretto by David Cote.
In her twilight years, a retired singer grapples with dementia, while her son forsakes his own music career to care for her. Their lives converge with a young clarinetist and a music-therapy researcher, igniting an exploration of music and memory. Amidst their individual struggles, moments of joy and profound sacrifice illuminate their intertwining paths.
Cristina Maria performs the role of MONICA.
Friday, October 20, 2023 – 7:30
Saturday, October 21, 2023 – 7:30
Sunday, October 22, 2023 – 2:00
Rose Marine Theater
A San Antonio, TX native who’s still very much in touch with her Puerto Rican roots, Cristina María Castro is a sought-after performer equally at home in the worlds of both classical music and musical theatre. She is also happy to embark in on-camera adventures with her recent Network TV debut in Law & Order: SVU! Cristina María's 24/25 engagements begin with originating the role of Sunny in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky's new opera Lucidity with both On Site Opera and Seattle Opera. She will also perform Johanna in Sweeney Todd with Opera Montana, Maria in West Side Story with Indy Opera, and Frasquita in Carmen with St. Pete Opera. Other recent performances include Monica in La Médium (a new Spanish—language translation of the Menotti classic) with Fort Worth Opera, Guan Yin in Monkey: A Kung Fu Puppet Parable with White Snake Projects, and La Decimista Soprano in El Oratorio Panhispánico with Music at Co-Cath.
Castro enjoys serving as the Associate Director of MACC (Music at Co-Cath) where she curates awe-inspiring and multicultural sacred music concert-plus experiences. Follow Cristina María’s adventures both on and offstage @cristinamaria_castro.
Castro is delighted to be on the Artist Roster of Musica Grande Artists.
Cristina María is a sought-after performer equally at home in the worlds of both classical music and musical theatre. An avid champion of new music, she has had the honor of originating and creating roles across genres, and she has workshopped countless other works.
Cristina Maria will perform the role of SUNNY in this west coast premiere performance.
Music by Laura Kaminsky
Libretto by David Cote
This intimate chamber opera sheds light on the tragedy of dementia and all those it touches. Lili, an elderly singer and composer with early dementia, struggles with her son, Dante, who has given up his career as a pianist to care for her. Dr. Klugman's study on music and memory brings Sunny, a young clarinetist, into their orbit. What is the connection between music and memory? Facing the challenge of this all-too-human condition demands the utmost in courage and sacrifice.
Composer Laura Kaminsky (As One), known for addressing social issues in her work, is “one of the top 35 female composers in classical music” (The Washington Post). Joined by playwright, librettist, and arts journalist David Cote, this production marks the West Coast premiere of this powerful and intimate opera.
Music at Co-Cath continues The Unity Series with a special holiday concert titled "Bach's Messiah," featuring the MACC Ensemble performing Johann Sebastian Bach’s Motets and selections from his Christmas Oratorio, with orchestrations by MACC Composer in Residence, Santiago Gutiérrez. The concert will also feature an original overture composed by Gutiérrez, providing an ornamental prelude to Bach’s classic works. MACC is also thrilled to welcome back Talia Feldberg to direct the staging of this production - you will remember her work from last season's LANG/POULENC: The Little Match Girl Passion + Mass in G and Lenten Motets. This festive event is free to the public, with donations encouraged to support the mission of Music at Co-Cath.
Bach's Messiah will tell the story of the nativity through a reimagined programming of the composer's historic, uplifting and spiritually resonant works, celebrating the joy and togetherness of the holiday season. Known for their rich harmonic complexity, Bach’s Motets showcase vocal brilliance and deep emotional expression, while selections from the Christmas Oratorio evoke the wonder and warmth of Christmas. The MACC Ensemble, led by Dr. Alejandro Zuleta, will offer a transcendent musical experience, perfect for the holiday season, as, “not your average church choir” performs, “not your average Messiah.”
“We are thrilled to share the timeless beauty of Bach’s music during this special time of year, as we curate his works to tell the nativity story” said Dr. Zuleta. “Bach's Messiah allows us to reflect on the themes of joy, hope, and renewal, which are central to our season and to the unity we aim to foster through music.”
Cristina Maria will perform the role of JOHANNA in Sweeney Todd.
Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd as Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning thriller makes its professional Bozeman debut. The infamous tale of Fleet Street’s vengeance-seeking barber features razor-sharp lyrics and piping-hot musical drama. This unforgettable theatrical experience will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Cristina Maria is Associate Director of MACC and performs as the soprano in the MACC Ensemble.
Music at Co-Cath are thrilled to bring back the critically-acclaimed “El Oratorio Panhispánico,” composed by our very own Alejandro Zuleta, this season. The MACC Ensemble premiered this beautiful work in our 2022-23 season, showcasing the diverse musical culture of Hispanic immigrants, and we are honored to present it once again in 2025.
Cristina Maria will perfom the role of MARIA in West Side Story.
In an exciting return to the Indianapolis Zoo, with an original onsite design inspired by the beautiful Bicentennial Pavilion, Indianapolis Opera presents a beloved musical classic, West Side Story! A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story is set in 1950s New York, where growing racial tensions between the Sharks, a gang of first-generation Puerto Rican immigrants, and the Jets, made up of ‘American’ boys, lead to an all-out street fight over territory. Meanwhile Tony, best friend of the Jets’ leader Riff, and Maria, sister to Shark’s leader Bernardo, unwittingly fall in love at a neighborhood dance, despite their differing backgrounds. But the purity of their love is challenged as chaos, prejudice, and tragedy churn around them. Boasting a brilliant score from Leonard Bernstein and libretto from Stephen Sondheim with famous numbers, like “Maria,” “Tonight,” and “Somewhere,” this production features an internationally acclaimed cast and shares a hope for peace in trying times.
Cristina Maria will perform the role of FRASQUITA in Carmen.
The wild, free-spirited Carmen seduces a naïve soldier, Don José. After he deserts his regiment and turns smuggler for her, she tires of him and pursues the dashing bullfighter Escamillo. Maddened by jealousy, Don José confronts the fickle Carmen – will she survive his rage?
Cristina Maria will perform the role of PAQUETTE and cover CUNEGONDE.
Cristina Maria will perform the role of SUNNY in this world premiere performance. Music by Laura Kaminsky - Libretto by David Cote.
In her twilight years, a retired singer grapples with dementia, while her son forsakes his own music career to care for her. Their lives converge with a young clarinetist and a music-therapy researcher, igniting an exploration of music and memory. Amidst their individual struggles, moments of joy and profound sacrifice illuminate their intertwining paths.
Cristina Maria performs the role of MONICA.
Friday, October 20, 2023 – 7:30
Saturday, October 21, 2023 – 7:30
Sunday, October 22, 2023 – 2:00
Rose Marine Theater
A San Antonio, TX native who’s still very much in touch with her Puerto Rican roots, Cristina María Castro is a sought-after performer equally at home in the worlds of both classical music and musical theatre. She is also happy to embark in on-camera adventures with her recent Network TV debut in Law & Order: SVU! Cristina María's 24/25 engagements begin with originating the role of Sunny in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky's new opera Lucidity with both On Site Opera and Seattle Opera. She will also perform Johanna in Sweeney Todd with Opera Montana, Maria in West Side Story with Indy Opera, and Frasquita in Carmen with St. Pete Opera. Other recent performances include Monica in La Médium (a new Spanish—language translation of the Menotti classic) with Fort Worth Opera, Guan Yin in Monkey: A Kung Fu Puppet Parable with White Snake Projects, and La Decimista Soprano in El Oratorio Panhispánico with Music at Co-Cath.
Castro enjoys serving as the Associate Director of MACC (Music at Co-Cath) where she curates awe-inspiring and multicultural sacred music concert-plus experiences. Follow Cristina María’s adventures both on and offstage @cristinamaria_castro.
Castro is delighted to be on the Artist Roster of Musica Grande Artists.