Bringing Opera to Fuerteventura: A Community’s Passion
Bridging the Gap Between Elitism and Accessibility
Ten years ago, José Concepción and Jonathan Suárez, alongside a group of passionate young individuals, took on an audacious challenge: to make opera a part of the cultural fabric of Fuerteventura. With their sights set on “democratizing” this art form, often perceived as elite and inaccessible, they embarked on a journey fueled by passion, creativity, and the support of their community.
The Humble Beginnings
With no dedicated space to rehearse, the group found temporary refuge in a garage in El Charco—a humble beginning that belied the ambition of their vision. Their inaugural production, Giacomo Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly,” marked the first significant foray into opera for the people of Fuerteventura.
Reflecting on those early days, Suárez stated, “We went around hotels looking for sheets and blankets to create the costumes for our performance and asked local shops for paint cans.” This grassroots approach exemplified not only their commitment to the performance but also the community spirit that supported them.
A Unique Promotional Strategy
With limited funding and no formal grants, the duo creatively promoted their events. They took their costumes and set pieces for a stroll along the Avenida Marítima in Puerto del Rosario, capturing the attention of passersby and inviting them to experience the unusual spectacle.
Their story, shared during an interview on La Voz de Fuerteventura with Radio Insular, highlights the excitement—and trepidation—of those initial performances. “It was exhilarating and nerve-wracking at the same time,” Concepción reminisced.
Uniting through Art: Political Neutrality
One of their guiding principles has been a strict adherence to political neutrality. “At no moment have we aligned ourselves with any political ideology. Discussing politics within our association is completely prohibited,” they emphasized. This stance has fostered a welcoming environment, allowing diverse community members to unite through a shared love of opera without the entanglements of separate beliefs, such as sexuality or religion.
A Decade of Achievements and Recognition
Over the last ten years, Opera Fuerteventura has gained recognition not just within the local community but also from national and international festival circuits. Their production of “Aida” received accolades from La Ópera Joven de Cataluña for Best Production, while in Italy, they were honored as Best Organization at a festival organized by the Musa International Symphony Orchestra.
Their commitment to cultural dissemination was particularly acknowledged during the pandemic, as they placed an emphasis on continuing to bring opera to audiences despite the challenges.
Celebrating Milestones
This year, 2025, marks the tenth anniversary of their festival, and the Opera Fuerteventura is planning an ambitious program to celebrate this milestone. Events kicked off with “Kralya,” while the ongoing “Singing for Ukraine,” featuring harp music and the lighting of 200 candles, shows their dedication to both art and social causes. The emotional highlight of this event occurred in the Church of Santo Domingo in Tetir, dedicating a poignant performance to a beloved community figure.
Upcoming Productions and Community Engagement
Among the much-anticipated events this year is the premiere of “Mahan el Gigante,” the second installment of a trilogy focused on the local legend of Tamonante. Uniquely for this performance, artists will utilize microphones for the first time, signifying an evolution in their presentations.
Mid-year will see the proper celebration of their anniversary with special children’s programming, including a bilingual adaptation of “Hansel and Gretel, the Chocolate House.” This engaging piece will take a mere 30 minutes to present and will reach all six municipalities on the island, promoting accessibility to opera for younger audiences.
The culmination of the festival will feature a single representation of “Don Carlo” at the Palacio de Formación y Congresos de Fuerteventura. The organizers have had to readjust their budget to ensure this highlight remains feasible.
Undeterred by Budgetary Challenges
Despite financial constraints, the driving forces behind Fuerteventura’s opera scene remain resolute. “Opera is needed in Fuerteventura, and it will happen, with help or without help,” concluded Concepción. This determination reflects the community’s unwavering support and the resilience of the artists who bring their dreams to life.
Through engaging performances, innovative programs, and a strong commitment to inclusivity, José Concepción and Jonathan Suárez continue to change the cultural landscape of Fuerteventura, ensuring that opera finds a permanent home in the hearts of its residents.
