Madrid,December 22,2025 – A new competition,ARIA,crazy about opera,is searching for Spain‘s next operatic sensation,and the judging panel is stacked with established stars. The program will rely on a jury combining technical skill, stage presence, and pedagogical expertise to identify and nurture emerging talent.
A Trio of Titans to Mentor Rising Stars
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The jury for ‘ARIA, crazy about opera’ features soprano Isabel Rey, orchestra director Virginia Martínez, and tenor José Manuel Zapata (Tenor Shoe).
- Soprano isabel Rey brings decades of international experience to the program.
- Virginia Martínez offers a conductor’s viewpoint, honed at prestigious institutions.
- Tenor Shoe, known as José Manuel Zapata, combines performance with a talent for communicating opera to wider audiences.
The panel will evaluate candidates not only on vocal quality but also on discipline, interpretive versatility, and overall stage presence. this holistic approach aims to cultivate well-rounded performers prepared for the demands of a professional career.
Isabel Rey: A Legacy of International Performance
Isabel Rey will lend her expertise, built on a career that began remarkably early-with her first recital tour at age 17. Since her operatic debut in 1987, Rey has performed on the world’s most celebrated stages, alongside luminaries such as Montserrat Caballé, Alfredo Kraus, Carlos Alvarez, and jose Carreras.
Her mastery of seven languages has enabled her to tackle over 80 operatic roles throughout her career. In ‘ARIA, crazy about opera,’ Rey’s role extends beyond judging; she will serve as a teacher and mentor, drawing on her experience training interpreters who now enjoy international careers.
Virginia Martínez: Leading from the Podium
Orchestra conductor Virginia Martínez will provide a crucial perspective from the podium. trained with Honors at the Vienna Conservatory, she has led prestigious ensembles including the Vienna Radio Orchestra, the National Orchestra of Spain, and the Calgary Philharmonic in Canada.
Martínez’s leadership experience is extensive, having served as Assistant Director at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Barcelona and National Symphony Orchestra of Catalonia, and the Valencia Orchestra. She also led the Symphony Orchestra of the Region of Murcia and the Youth Orchestra of the Region of Murcia for 11 seasons. In 2018, she was recognized as “Murcian Woman of the Year” for her efforts in bringing classical music to young people.
Tenor Shoe: From Stage to Speaker
José Manuel Zapata, known professionally as Tenor Shoe, completes the jury, contributing both extensive experience and undeniable charisma. His career began in Granada at age 18 and gained international recognition in 2008 when he performed as the Count of Almaviva at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, under the direction of maestro Alberto Zedda.
Zapata has graced stages such as the Deutsche Oper in Berlin, the Teatro Real, and the Liceu in Barcelona. More recently, Tenor Shoe has distinguished himself as a compelling communicator, connecting opera with the business world through engaging lectures designed to inspire a broader audience.
With the expertise of Rey,the precision of Martínez,and the passion of Tenor Shoe,the jury of ‘ARIA,crazy about opera’ is poised to begin its search.
