Tenor Mark Hernandez has been performing professionally since 1990. 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 appeared in dozens of roles with Northern California companies such as Berkeley Opera, Mendocino Music Festival, Pocket Opera, Thick Description, and West Bay Opera, to name a few. In addition, he has sung with the San Francisco Opera Chorus for several seasons.
An avid performer of contemporary music, Mark 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.
Mark is active as a teaching artist, primarily with the San Francisco Opera Guild, leading programming that helps young people to understand and get excited by opera and performance.
Off-stage Mark is a consultant to non-profit performing arts organizations and grantmaking entities, as well as a writer.
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