Paraguayan soprano and voice lecturer Alejandra Meza (31) is preparing for an intense artistic and academic tour in Italy during January and February 2026. She will travel between Lucca and Ascoli Piceno, delivering masterclasses, performing in opera productions, and representing Paraguay on major European stages. Above all, the tour positions her as the first Paraguayan singing lecturer invited to collaborate with the prestigious Puccini International Opera Composition Academy (IOCAL).
“For me, it is truly an honour to return as a guest lecturer in such a prestigious festival,” Meza says to The Asunción Times. “I am deeply grateful, excited, and fully prepared for the masterclasses.”
Meanwhile, her calendar fills quickly with teaching, rehearsals, and performances. The schedule reflects a growing international presence and a personal philosophy rooted in passion, flexibility, and lifelong learning.
‘Passionate about everything I do’
From the start, Meza resists limiting herself to a single artistic label. “I think I am passionate about everything I do. Not only opera, but also contemporary music, Baroque repertoire, and operetta. I am passionate about singing itself and everything that surrounds it. I would not stick to a single style; I find that difficult.”
That openness shapes her career path. She began singing as a child without formal training, later enrolling at the conservatoire in Luque at 16. After a brief period of uncertainty at university, she returned to music with conviction. “When I came back to music, I said: this is my path. When you are doing what you love, opportunities begin to appear. Everything starts to align.”
Small concerts, early travels, and new invitations follow quickly. The momentum confirmed her decision and built the foundation for international work.
Italy as a turning point
However, one moment clearly marks a before and after. “Definitely when I travelled to Italy,” Meza says without hesitation. She originally planned to pursue postgraduate studies in the United States but found unexpected opportunities in Europe instead. Scholarships, festival participation, and a successful conservatoire audition reshaped her trajectory.
‘Everything fell into place’
Now, she maintains a flexible professional base. Although she lives in Paraguay, she tours internationally twice a year. “I realised I could travel back and forth instead of relocating permanently. Music can take you anywhere, regardless of where you live.”
This perspective strengthens her adaptability, which she considers essential in professional opera environments. “Every theatre works differently. You learn what each conductor, composer, or company is looking for. That ability to adapt applies to every area of life.”
Teaching at the Puccini Academy
This January 2026, Meza begins her Italian tour in Lucca, delivering masterclasses at IOCAL. Her sessions focus on vocal writing in operas created by young composers. Significantly, it marks the first time a Paraguayan lecturer joins the academy’s specialised training programme.
She also reconnects with the festival from a new perspective. “Years ago, I came here as a singer and premiered chamber operas. We worked directly with composers and directors. It was intense, collaborative, and deeply enriching. Coming back now as a lecturer feels like a tremendous gift.”
In addition, Meza will participate in IOCAL’s social outreach concerts at San Gimignano Prison in Siena. The performances bring opera into non-traditional spaces and broaden community access to classical music.
On stage with Teatro Ventidio Basso
Later on, the tour moves south to Ascoli Piceno, where Alejandra Meza will join the Teatro Ventidio Basso Company. She will perform in Cavalleria Rusticana and Tosca, appearing in productions across Ascoli Piceno, Livorno, and Fasano. The company collaborates with major European theatres and maintains an intense production schedule.
Yet Meza remains grounded in learning rather than prestige alone. “I cannot imagine myself doing anything other than music or singing. Even with daily routines of practice, discovering a new role or working with a composer keeps everything exciting and challenging.”
‘Opera should feel accessible’
Back in Paraguay, Meza balances international touring with university teaching and community projects. She actively encourages newcomers to explore opera locally. “Opera buffa is a great starting point because it is comic, entertaining, and approachable. If people cannot attend live performances, they can explore productions online. Access has never been easier.”
She believes that artistic growth thrives through diversity of experience. “Moving between teaching, theatre, opera, and contemporary music enriches you. Each experience prepares you for greater challenges and gives you a broader vision.”
A milestone for national culture
The tour concludes with masterclasses at the Luigi Boccherini Conservatoire in Lucca, focusing on contemporary vocal repertoire. Meza’s tour is supported by Ibermúsicas, Paraguay’s National Secretariat of Culture, and national music organisations, as the project strengthens cultural mobility and international visibility.
For Alejandra Meza, the achievement carries symbolic value beyond personal success. “This represents a milestone for Paraguay. This opportunity opens doors for future artistic cooperation and shows that our (Paraguayan) voices can resonate internationally.”
Finally, she leaves a message for young musicians at home. “What may seem distant or inaccessible is actually possible. If music is your passion, do not give up. There are institutions, opportunities, and pathways waiting to be discovered.”
To follow the Paraguayan soprano’s works, follow Alejandra Meza on Instagram. A similar international reach can be seen with the pianist Chiara D’Odorico, who is taking Paraguayan compositions to leading European stages.
