How did I get into theater?
Theater allows the actor to immerse themselves in a story just like it happens in real life. It gives you the chance to feel what the character feels, it's like having several lives. Every time I watched a play, I wanted to step on the stage and act. When you act, you get the opportunity to be completely honest and without any filters.
How did I get into opera?
Opera is everything. It has four essential elements: a story, music composition, singers who are also actors, and stage design. It's the perfect combination of the classical and live theater. Without a doubt, it's a remarkable and unforgettable experience for both the singer and the audience. For me, it's simply living life for real.
Patricia Arcadí is a Cuban-born mezzo-soprano and actress whose journey into the world of music and opera began at an early age. Growing up in the Vedado neighborhood of Havana, her childhood was filled with the sounds of classical music, as her grandparents, who were passionate about opera and zarzuela, played these genres regularly. This early exposure to music played a pivotal role in shaping her lifelong love for opera.
From a young age, Patricia demonstrated an evident artistic inclination. Despite her natural musical talents, her grandfather, who was also her legal guardian, encouraged her to pursue a more academically grounded path. He believed that systems engineering would be the future, especially for women, and advised her to gain independence through academic preparation!. However, her grandmother, though no longer physically present, remained a significant source of inspiration, urging Patricia to follow her dreams and always believe in herself.
At the age of 16, Patricia began formal vocal training under the guidance of Ricardo Linares, a respected tenor and former musical director of the famed Federico García Lorca Theater in Havana. Her early vocal studies laid the foundation for what would become a successful and diverse career in the arts. Patricia also joined the chorus of iconic Cuban zarzuelas, including María la O and Cecilia Valdés, as well as various celebrated works from both Cuban and Spanish repertoires. Her talent was quickly recognized, and at the age of 17, she earned second place in her debut performance at a prestigious lyric singing competition in Havana, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Patricia continued to refine her vocal skills at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana. After a year of intensive study, she moved to Miami in 2001, where she took a brief pause in her musical career for personal reasons, a hiatus that would last for eight years. Nevertheless, her passion for singing never waned, and in 2017, Patricia decided to resume her artistic journey.
She has since performed with several recognized opera companies, including The Opera Atelier, Inc. and La Zarzuela, Inc., appearing in notable productions such as Alma Llanera and Don Pasquale 2.0. Her versatility and emotional expressiveness as a performer have made her a prominent emerging artists in the world of bel canto in Miami. Additionally, she has showcased her talents in numerous recitals, further solidifying her reputation as a highly versatile artist.
Patricia's career also spans children's productions, where she has contributed to the development of new audiences for classical music both in Cuba and Miami. She has worked with several major television networks, including Univision, Telemundo, and América TV, expanding her reach and bringing her musical abilities to a broader public.
A devoted lover of nature and animals, Patricia views singing as more than just an artistic pursuit—it is a deeply spiritual practice. Her performances are not just technical exercises but expressions of her soul, a quality that has deeply resonated with audiences. She continues to evolve as an artist, participating in numerous productions, and remains an influential voice in the opera world.
Currently, Patricia Arcadí is involved in various projects with The Opera Atelier, and her recent work includes performances as El Notario in Don Pasquale 2.0, Frau Haydn in Frau Haydn in Trouble, Mercedes Jaruco in Voyage to Cuba, and a role in Arianna in Naxos, a cantata adapted as a small opera. Her career remains an inspiring testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for the arts.