An awesome young talent to watch, Uruguayan soprano María Antúnez has recently won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions at the district and regional levels in South Carolina and Atlanta respectively, being now a National Semi-Finalist, and will make her debut with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra as Mimi in Puccini’s La Boheme this April.

Ms. Antunez has been heard in Uruguay as Adina in L’Elisir d’Amore and Sofia in Rossini’s Il Signor Bruschino. A recipient of the Certificate Program at the College of Charleston’s School of the Arts, she appeared there as Miss Silverpeal in Mozart’s The Impresario, as Angelica in Puccini’s Suor Angelica and as Queen Elizabeth I in Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda with the College of Charleston Opera. The Charleston Post and Courier reported: “With a keen appreciation for the grand style, María Antúnez . showed off her rich and powerful soprano.”

Ms. Antunez continues her training under the guidance of Manny Perez. She has recently been heard as Flora in La Traviata with Miami Lyric Opera and has appeared with the Miami Symphony Orchestra in the “Tutto Puccini” Gala with the Florida Chamber Orchestra. Other recent engagements featured Ms. Antunez in recital at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival USA and in an international opera gala at the Teatro Solis in Montevideo. She was recently selected to participate in Master Classes with Deborah Voigt and Virginia Zeani sponsored by Vero Beach Opera.