Gilda Cruz-Romo, the legendary Mexican operatic soprano renowned for her powerful and dramatic voice, passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 85. Cruz-Romo’s extraordinary career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the world of opera. Known particularly for her dramatic roles in the Italian repertory, including Verdi’s Aida and Puccini’s Tosca, Cruz-Romo performed in some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, and La Scala. Her vocal prowess, immense talent, and commitment to her craft made her a standout in the opera world, and her legacy continues to inspire future generations of singers.
Born Gilda Cruz on February 12, 1940, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Cruz-Romo’s early life was deeply intertwined with music. Her passion for singing began at a young age, and she honed her vocal talents under the guidance of Ángel Esquivel at the Mexico City Conservatory. Cruz-Romo’s early musical experiences included singing with the Ballet Folklorico choir, where she toured extensively throughout Central America, Europe, and Asia. Her performances as a soloist at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, including her rendition of Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Carlos Chávez, showcased her exceptional vocal ability and marked her as a rising star in the Mexican classical music scene.
Cruz-Romo’s operatic debut came on September 6, 1962, in Mexico City, when she performed the role of Ortlinde in Wagner’s Die Walküre. Her performance was met with critical acclaim, and it marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career. However, it was not until 1969 that Cruz-Romo achieved international recognition. That year, she made her debut at the New York City Opera, where she performed the role of Margherita in Boito’s Mefistofele, opposite the renowned baritone Norman Treigle. This performance was a defining moment in Cruz-Romo’s career, and it paved the way for her subsequent appearances at major opera houses across the United States and Europe.
In 1970, Cruz-Romo made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, performing the title role in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. This performance marked the beginning of a 14-year association with the Met, where she became a regular fixture in their operatic productions. Over the years, Cruz-Romo performed a wide range of roles, including Nedda in Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, Verdi’s Aida and La Traviata, Puccini’s Tosca, and the title roles in Manon Lescaut and Suor Angelica. Cruz-Romo’s commanding stage presence and exceptional vocal technique made her a favorite among audiences, and her performances were often described as both emotionally moving and technically flawless.
Cruz-Romo’s role as Aida became one of her signature performances. She performed the role in various renowned venues, including the Royal Opera House in London, La Scala in Milan, and the Verona Arena. Her portrayal of Aida was universally praised for its dramatic intensity and vocal power. In 1974, Cruz-Romo made a triumphant appearance as Aida at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, cementing her reputation as one of the foremost sopranos of her generation. Her Aida at the Verona Arena, where she performed to sold-out crowds, remains one of the defining moments of her career.
In addition to Aida, Cruz-Romo’s portrayal of Luisa Miller in Verdi’s opera of the same name also garnered significant acclaim. In 1974, she performed the role opposite Luciano Pavarotti in a live performance with the RAI Torino, conducted by Peter Maag. This performance was widely regarded as one of the best of her career, and her partnership with Pavarotti added an unforgettable dimension to the production.
Throughout her career, Cruz-Romo also performed at prestigious venues such as the Vienna State Opera, the Liceo in Barcelona, the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos in Lisbon, and the Palais Garnier in Paris. She continued to add to her repertoire, taking on the role of Médée in Cherubini’s opera and performing the American premiere of Mascagni’s Silvano in 1989. Cruz-Romo’s voice was celebrated for its richness and versatility, able to convey a range of emotions with precision and depth.
Despite her immense success on the stage, Cruz-Romo’s career was not without its challenges. The demands of the opera world, combined with the personal sacrifices of a life devoted to music, meant that Cruz-Romo had to navigate the complexities of balancing her professional career with her personal life. She eventually retired from the stage but continued to remain active in the opera community as a teacher and mentor to young singers. Cruz-Romo taught voice at the University of Austin and later lived in San Antonio with her husband, where she continued to pass on her knowledge and passion for opera to the next generation.
Though Cruz-Romo did not make many commercial recordings, she did leave behind a lasting legacy of live performances, some of which are cherished by opera enthusiasts to this day. Her recordings of Verdi’s Luisa Miller and Il trovatore, as well as her performances with the RAI National Symphony Orchestra and the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, continue to be highly regarded by classical music aficionados.
In addition to her legacy as a performer, Cruz-Romo was deeply involved in the opera community, advocating for the preservation of classical music and supporting the development of young talent. Her contributions to the world of opera were celebrated throughout her life, and she was recognized for her dedication to her craft and her unwavering passion for the art form.
As the news of Cruz-Romo’s passing spread, tributes poured in from all corners of the opera world. Fellow singers, conductors, and opera lovers remembered her as a soprano of unparalleled talent, whose contributions to the world of opera left an indelible mark on the history of the art form. Her performances continue to inspire generations of singers, and her legacy will live on through her recordings, the memories of her performances, and the many artists she mentored throughout her life.
Gilda Cruz-Romo died on June 28, 2025, at the age of 85 in San Antonio, Texas, after a long and illustrious career. She is survived by her husband, her family, and countless admirers who were touched by her remarkable voice and her dedication to the opera world. While her passing leaves a void in the opera community, her contributions to the art form will never be forgotten. Gilda Cruz-Romo’s legacy as one of the greatest operatic sopranos of the 20th and 21st centuries will continue to inspire future generations of artists and opera lovers for years to come.
Rest in peace, Gilda Cruz-Romo. Your voice may have faded from the stage, but it will echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved your art for eternity. ️
