Costa Rican musical talent reaches La Scala and honors historical legacies

Costa Rican classical music is marking significant milestones through both contemporary achievements and historical preservation. Baritone Kevin Godínez is set to make his debut at Italy’s Teatro alla Scala on October 29, 2026. He will perform the role of Valentín in Charles Gounod’s Faust, appearing alongside an international cast including Julien Dran, Ekaterina Bakanova, and Alex Esposito.

In a separate cultural initiative, Canal 13 will present a documentary titled ‘Melico Salazar, el tenor olvidado’ to commemorate the anniversary of the Teatro Popular Melico Salazar. The 1978 film, directed by Edgar Trigueros, explores the life of Manuel Salazar Zúñiga, a prominent Costa Rican tenor who performed at major international venues such as the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. The documentary is part of a heritage project by the Centro Costarricense de Producción Cinematográfica and the Ministry of Culture and Youth to preserve the nation’s audiovisual history.