Two generations of young artists in premiere of Puerto Rican opera

Denis Sedov (Photo of left by Bogdan Tache) & studying the Verdi Requiem

Russian barihunk Denis Sedov is creating the role of Ledo Jiménez in the world premiere of Carlos Vázquez’s La mina de oro in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 6 and 7. The towering bass, who honed his skills in the Lindemann Young Artists Program at the Met, is not new to the music of Vázquez. He previously premiered his Requiem Domesticus at the Casals Festival in Puerto Rico and one of the composer's song cycles.

La Mina de Oro is a 3-act opera with a libretto by José Luis Ramos Escobar, based on an original story by the composer.  The story deals with contemporary issues of drug violence, corruption, ambition, greed and love. For tickets call 787-792-5000 or visit TicketCenter online.

Xavier Edgardo

Also in the cast is Xavier Edgardo, a young artist who many people are keeping an eye on and who coached with Denis Sedov. He is wrapping up his studies at the Conservatorio de Musica de Puerto Rico where he was encouraged to hone his skills after being a standout choral performer. He spent two seasons at the International Vocal Arts Institute run by the esteemed Joan Dorneman, assistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera. He is expected to continue his studies in the United States next year.

He has participated in and won a number of vocal competitions, include many in Europe. This led to him being invited to perform as a soloist with the Mundus Cantat Festival in Gdansk, Poland. He has also performed Mahler's Symphony no. 2 in C minor (Resurrection) with the Simón Bolívar Youth under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel. He has participated in masterclasses with a number of great singers, including fellow Puerto Rican Justino Diaz, Sherril Milnes, Mignon Dunn and Elaine Ortiz Arandes.

Keep an eye on this site for information about his upcoming recital.