Mark
Hernandez has been
active in music and theater for over sixteen years. A
versatile performer, he has sung a range of roles, spanning
both tenor and baritone repertoire. Opera News has acclaimed him for his "winning
physicality and unceasing attention to character, anchored
by secure, attractive vocalism," and the
San Francisco
Chronicle has
described his voice as "burnished gold.” Other critics have
called him “top drawer” (Talkin
Broadway), “a
strong and rich tenor” (San Francisco Bay
Times), and “a
marvelous singer as well as a splendid actor”
(Napa
News).
He has performed dozens of roles with
Northern California companies such as Berkeley Opera,
Cinnabar, Lamplighters, Mendocino Music Festival, Music
Theater Collaborative, Pocket Opera, Thick Description, and
West Bay Opera, to name a few. In addition, he has worked
for San Francisco Opera for several seasons as a member of
the Extra Chorus and a teaching artist.
An avid performer of contemporary music, Mr. Hernandez has
worked with several composers on their works, including
Hector Armienta (River of Women/La
Llorona,
Z, both world premieres), David Conte
(America
Tropical,
Firebird
Motel,
The
Dreamers,
The Passion of Rita St.
James, all world
premieres), Myron Fink (The
Conquistador),
Gordon Getty (Plump Jack), Carla Lucero (Wuornos, Sor Juana), Henry Mollicone (Emperor
Norton,
The Face on the Barroom
Floor), Lisa
Prosek (Trap
Door, world
premiere), and Conrad Susa (Transformations).
In addition, he has commissioned and premiered three works
from composer David Garner.
Since 1993, Mr. Hernandez has annually
appeared as a soloist with Conjunto Nuevo Mundo and Coro
Hispano de San Francisco performing a variety of music,
including classical and folk, from the Spanish-speaking
world. In addition, he has given several recitals
prominently or entirely featuring Spanish-language
repertoire, including the four part Canciones clásicas
series presented by Old First
Concerts.
Vital
Statistics
Range: B-flat 2 to B-flat 4
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Hair: Black (shaved)
Eyes: Brown
Union
Affiliation
American Guild
of Musical Artists
• Board of Governors, Chorister (2008-2011)
• Area Committee, San Francisco (since 2007)
• Shop Delegate, San Francisco Opera Chorus (2007)
• Member (since 2000)