Alma Latina with Carlos Barcenas

Interview - July 12, 2026

Quick Questions

• If you were to introduce an Aussie to Colombian music, what would be your first song choice:

  "La gota fría" (Spanish for 'The Cold Drop') is a 1938 Colombian vallenato song, composed by Emiliano Zuleta.

  
  

• Is there an aria you could sing endlessly without ever tiring of it?

  "Salut! Demeure chaste et pure" from Faust by C.Gounod.

  
  

• What’s a dream role you haven’t had the chance to perform yet?

  Gualtiero from Il Pirata by V. Bellini.

  
  

• Opera you think is a bit underrated:

  Les Troyens (The Trojans) by Hector Berlioz.

  
  

• Fun fact about you most people don’t know:

  That I love books and films about horror and suspense.

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About 2026

I have a small concert about Latin and Spanish music coming up for OQ and Redlands Performing Centre. Also, I'm taking time off to visit my parents in Colombia. On top of that, I must concentrate on my studies as I am doing a degree in Medical Sciences.

Reflecting on the first six months of 2026, there are a few things I would love to concentrate moving forward. I'm always trying to improve my singing technique and music literacy, but I also think would love to become more familiar with languages like Czech and Russian, and work more on my French and Italian, to be able to memorise opera roles faster.

About Alma Latina!

This recital will show how diverse Latin-American and Spanish music is, even though it is just a small sample from the early 20th century. I'm calling it Alma Latina! not just because it is music sung in Castellano (Spanish), but because it touches my heart and soul; I grew up influenced by it, and I love it.

About Opera Queensland

I moved to Queensland around 2022. That same year, I auditioned for the company and got an offer to be part of a show called Sopranos. After that, I started covering roles in Traviata and Cenerentola, and doing smaller roles in Macbeth, while also covering Macduff. Other highlights include performing Edgardo at the inaugural Bel Canto festival and performing in the Outback Opera Festival gala concert three years ago.

About Emerging Singers

For young opera singers in Australia, it is important to actively build genuine, respectful relationships with the entire creative ecosystem: directors, music staff, orchestra, backstage staff, costumes and makeup, stage managers, and everyone else involved in a production, concert, or performance.

Also, be reliable. Always arrive with your music fully memorised, show up early, and accept constructive feedback with grace.

Image provided by artist.