![[ Picture of Ana M. Castello
as Pirate Lil ]](../../anapic.gif)
Mezzo-soprano Ana M. Castrello,
a native of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities
with a concentration in Piano from the University of Puerto Rico, a Master
of Arts degree in Music Education for Colleges and Universities from New
York University, and a Master of Music degree in Opera Performance from the
University of Maryland at College Park, where she was a student of Carmen
Balthrop.
Ms. Castrello was a Regional Finalist at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Gulf Coast Auditions after being a prize winner in Puerto Rico. Her numerous opera roles have included Ericlea in Monteverdi's The Return of Ulysses to His Homeland, Candelas in de Falla's El amor brujo, Third Lady in Mozart's The Magic Flute, Dorabella in Mozart's Cosi fan tutte, Mrs. Nolan in Menotti's The Medium, and the Mother in Chris Patton's premiere opera Fidgety Phil. Of her recent portrayal of Estrelda in Sousa's El Capitan, Sorab Modi of Opera News wrote: "Ana Castrello was pert and vivacious . . . her singing always refined, her phrasing accomplished with finesse." In addition to her opera appearances, Ms. Castrello has been an active recitalist, performing various programs in Puerto Rico, Washington DC, Maryland, and Hawaii, where she was a student of Annette Johansson. She has also been a member of the University of Puerto Rico Chorus, Choralis Sine Nomine (Renaissance and Baroque music), Coral Augusto Rodríguez, the Conservatory of Puerto Rico Chorus, Opera de San Juan Chorus, Opera de Puerto Rico Chorus, and Teatro de la Opera Chorus. As an opera choir member, Ms. Castrello's credits include choral participation in Un Balo in Maschera, La Fille du Regiment, La Traviata, Tosca, Macías, and, more recently, productions of the Baltimore Opera's Lucia di Lammermoor, Macbeth, and Manon Lescaut.
Prior to joining the world of opera, "Anamer" was an accomplished pop singer who worked as a background vocalist for many artists and was a member of Cheo Feliciano's "Sentimiento 25" orchestra. She has recorded in duet with Marco Antonio Muñiz, and her voice is still being heard in jingles for radio and TV back in her homeland. An instrumentalist as well as a singer, Ms. Castrello has performed as piano accompanist and keyboardist for several groups.
Currently, Ms. Castrello teaches voice at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. She is also a member of Duet Cantaré, a musically interactive performing group dedicated to fostering knowledge of Latin American and Caribbean music in the public schools of Maryland and Washington DC.
Send E-mail to Ana c/o Unidentified Flying Opera Company - ana@ufoco.org
The Official Ana Castrello Web Site
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