Atención Music Spotlight. A Golden Voice: Interview With Tenor Olymar Salinas

By Felecia Ford

At just 17 years old, Olymar Salinas attended master classes in his hometown of Tepic, Nayarit, México with world-renowned vocal coach, Maestro Rogelio Riojas-Nolasco. At the time, Olymar was a violinist, showing up each day with his instrument in hand. One afternoon, when a vocal student was absent, Maestro Rogelio invited Olymar to try singing. The moment he heard the young man’s timbre, he recognized a “golden voice.” Without hesitation, Rogelio encouraged him to move to México City, personally financing his relocation and securing him a scholarship. That leap of faith marked the beginning of Olymar’s extraordinary journey. 

Still in his twenties, Olymar has performed lead tenor roles in some of opera’s most demanding works: Rodolfo in La Bohème (Puccini), Alfredo in La Traviata (Verdi), Romeo in Roméo et Juliette (Gounod), Faust in Faust (Gounod), the Duke in Rigoletto (Verdi), and Tito in La Clemenza di Tito (Mozart). For Olymar, it reflects a rare combination of talent, discipline, and passion that grows with each performance.

FF: You played violin before singing; how did the early training as a violinist shape your vocal journey?

OS: After a decade with the violin, the transition into arias and songs felt natural, as if music had simply shifted from strings to voice. The true challenge lay in mastering languages—Italian, German, English, French—and refining technique. Yet choosing to sing was the best decision of my life. I fell in love with opera.

FF: Your mother, soprano Rosa Salinas, was one of your first guides. What lessons from her still influence you?

OS: My mother has always been an inspiration. Music filled our home because she directed a choir that rehearsed there twice a week. From her I learned to listen to my teachers and how to manage nerves before stepping on stage.

FF: Since then, you’ve studied continuously with Maestro Rogelio Riojas-Nolasco. What has been his most transformative guidance?

OS: Maestro Rogelio has taught me everything about singing. He never lets me stay in my comfort zone, reminding me an opera singer never stops learning. He has been like a father, teaching discipline, professionalism, languages, and style. He always said: if you are prepared, opportunities will come. He was right because during a performance in San Miguel, a German agent heard me, and now I have a contract with Pura Música Agency.

FF: Winning first place at the Carlo Morelli National Singing Competition is a milestone for any singer. What did it mean for you?

OS: It was life-changing. It confirmed that my dedication and discipline were worth it. It opened doors to new directors, singers, theaters, and countries. The competition elevated my career to another level and gave me even more motivation to keep learning.

FF: Opera requires both stamina and emotional depth. How do you protect your voice and prepare for your roles?

OS: I vocalize every day, breathe deeply, focus my mind, and exercise to keep my body strong. It’s important to connect my voice and my body. On performance days, the preparation begins the moment I wake up.

FF: You’ll soon appear in another Operísima México production here in San Miguel. What excites you most?

OS: This month I will perform my favorite character, Rodolfo, again in La Bohème on October 9^th & 10^th at Teatro Angela Peralta. I love everything about this opera—the music, the bohemian spirit, and especially the duet with Mimì at the end of Act I. It is one of the most iconic moments in opera.

FF: Looking ahead, what dream roles or opera houses would you most love to perform in?

OS: I want to revisit the roles I’ve sung, but this time with an orchestra. My dream is to sing at The Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala, the Vienna State Opera, the Royal Opera House, and the Zürich Opera House.

FF: I know México is proud you will represent them on the world stage. For young singers who feel opera is intimidating, what would you say?

OS: Opera is human. The stories are about everyday life whether dramatic or funny and the music is extraordinary. To young singers, I say: don’t be intimidated. Opera is fun! Operísima México is an Opera Studio where singers can learn everything I am still learning from Maestro Rogelio. Performing complete operas is essential for an opera singer, and here we present one every month.

Olymar Salinas’ story is an inspiration for young artists across México: proof that with passion, preparation, and the right guidance, dreams that seem far away can suddenly become possible. Opera, through Olymar’s “golden voice,” feels not only timeless but also youthful, fresh, and deeply human. Bravo Olymar Salinas. A shining star is in our presence. 

www.operisimamexico.com

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