César Aguilar, a young countertenor born in 1990 in Mexico City, has cultivated a rich educational background and a vibrant musical career. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Lethbridge, an Advanced Certificate in Performance from the University of Toronto, and a Master’s degree from the University of Western Ontario. Currently, he is advancing his expertise in Voice Performance through doctoral studies at the University of Toronto.

 

Aguilar’s musical journey began at the tender age of seven, embracing a passion for a wide array of musical genres. This journey led him from the heart of Mexican Music (ranchero) to the grandeur of opera. His exploration of diverse musical styles is captured in three albums that chronicle his artistic evolution from childhood.

 

At fifteen, Aguilar made his operatic debut in “La Leyenda del Tepozteco” by the esteemed Mexican composer Federico Alvarez del Toro. He has since collaborated with notable figures in the classical music industry. His international performances have resonated through venues with orchestras like the Marine Symphony Orchestra (Mexico), Chiapas Youth Symphony Orchestra (Mexico), Lethbridge Symphony (Canada), Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (Canada), Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (USA), and at festivals including Escapararte, Tercera Invasión Excéntrica, Latin American Flute Festival, Festival del Mar, amongst many others. 

 

Under the tutelage of Ricardo Sanchez in Mexico and later mentors June Chittick, Winston Noren, Dr. Blaine Hendsbee, Dr. Sandra Stringer, baritone Theodore Baerg, countertenor Daniel Taylor, and soprano Mary Morrison in Canada, Aguilar has honed his craft.

 

His recent operatic roles include the title character in “The Magic Hummingbird” (Opera Tijuana) and performances in “L’Enfant et les Sortilèges” (UWO), “La Fille du Regiment” (London Community Players and Fountainhead TheatreWorks), “Hansel and Gretel” (UWO), and “The Magic Flute” (TCO). He has enriched his artistry through programs like the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, Canadian Operatic Arts Academy, Orford Academy of Music, SienAgosto, and Academie de Fourvière.

 

As a dedicated music educator, Aguilar contributed to the University of Lethbridge Music Conservatoire’s faculty for two years. He remains an active lecturer and recitalist, recently serving as a guest lecturer for the Tidriks Distance Learning Program and Faculty Mentor for the Bahlest Eeble Readings (GLFCAM) in California.

 

Looking ahead, Aguilar is set to perform as Leonardo in “El último sueño de Frida y Diego” with Omaha Opera (Nebraska, USA), and will feature in premieres by composers Timothy Petersen and Iman Habibi.