bio

The Spanish Mezzosoprano Rita Fernández is a laureate of the International Nina Solo Competition (Norway, 2022). During her studies in the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague, Rita performed the roles of Cherubino in “Le nozze di Figaro” (project with Floris Visser), Dorabella in “Così fan Tutte” (conductors: Jac van Steen/ Benjamin Perry Wenzelberg), and San Francisco in “San Ignacio” from Domenico Zipolli (Conductor: Gabriel Garrido, Marchesato Opera Festival). Future professional engagements include ensemble member of the newly composed “Kersentuin” at Holland Opera (world première, composer Niek Idelenburg, regie Joke Hoolboom, June & July 2023). For the upcoming 2023/2024 season, she is looking forward to joining the opera company The Fat Lady.

As a concert soloist, Rita is regularly invited to the Saint Martin’s Cathedral (Utrecht, NL, conductor: Remco de Graas), and has performed with major players in the baroque scene, such as Castelo Consort. The mezzo also has a Lied duo with pianist Gulmira Issabekova, under the management of Arise Ensembles.

Rita holds a degree in Business Administration at IE, speaks six languages, and has placed twice second of Madrid in chess. After having studied with Claire Lefilliâtre and Rita Dams, she is currently under the guidance of Catrin Wyn-Davies at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague. Rita has done several recordings in Spain and abroad, and presented a TEDx talk on opera.