By Angel Muentes
1. Good afternoon Ángel, it's a pleasure to be able to speak with you and get to know a little more about your work. Opera has its roots in the Greek theater and today we know that a promising path is opening for this type of art in our country. Could you tell us a little about how the Eloy Alfaro Opera was born? What is the history of this great cast?
The Eloy Alfaro Opera was born in 2011 when Ecuador was getting ready to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Eloy Alfaro's death on January 28, 2012. During a visit to Ciudad Alfaro I was asked to compose a recital based on the writings of Eloy Alfaro. This recital was performed on the anniversary of Eloy Alfaro’s death and was viewed widely on the Cadena Nacional. For this event, the Montecristi Lyric Choir was created, which is the basis of the Le Voci Company. Since their creation they have been contributing to the growth of opera and lyric singing in Manabí, being the first Choir of this type.
2. How exciting! Would you tell our readers, who are mostly foreigners from the US, about who Eloy Alfaro is and why his story is so important and relevant in Ecuadorian culture?
Eloy Alfaro was twice President of Ecuador and is considered the "Best Ecuadorian" for the struggles he faced and accomplishments he had during his terms. He was the businessman that popularized the Fine Toquilla Straw Hat (Panama Hats) by taking his product to Panama and he was also a leader who fought against injustice using his fortune for revolutionary struggle. As president, he carried out many works of great importance, including development of the railway, conservatories, secular education, freedom of worship, voting and education for women, separation of church and state, and leading the liberation of lands for indigenous peoples, among other things. His contributions marked a milestone in the development of freedoms in Ecuador. People know about Alfaro from literature, but the Opera manages to highlight the human and family side of him, since being a man of strong character, he showed in his writings a deep love for his family and friends. The Opera is based on original writings by Alfaro that are performed in the play.
3. At HiExpat we find the work you are carrying out very interesting and we would love for the expatriate community to be able to participate in this great event! Can you give us more details about where we can see the play?
The Eloy Alfaro Opera opens in the city of Manta on Thursday, October 27, 2022 in Plaza Centenario at the Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro, at 7:30 p.m. We will have a cast of 100 artists on stage including the Symphony Orchestra, choirs, soloists, actors, and dancers. We can’t wait to see you there!