Christopher Sánchez — Latin Jazz Meets Opera (Zoho ZM 202601, 2026)
Christopher Sánchez’s Latin Jazz Meets Opera traces the singer’s personal and musical journey from the Dominican Republic to New York City, where Latin music, jazz, and opera converged in his artistic identity.
Sánchez envisioned the unconventional project as an extension of the Caribbean musical history. The flavorful and delightfully romantic album explores how migration carried Latin rhythms into New York, where jazz and opera later entered his creative language.
The record brings together successfully dramatic opera repertory, sensual bolero, irresistible bachata and salsa, and jazz standards. Sánchez reinterprets works such as “Carmen’s Habanera,” “Là ci darem la mano,” and “The Flower Duet” through Afro-Caribbean rhythms and contemporary jazz arrangements. In addition, tracks like “Bachata Rosa” and “Quizás, Quizás” reconnect the singer with his Dominican memories and background.
The players on the album are fabulous, representing Latin Jazz, salsa, and western classical traditions. Meanwhile, soprano Jazmine Saunders appears on three duets, including “Carmen’s Habanera.” Saunders, who has Panamanian roots, trained at Juilliard School and participated in the Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.
At the same time, Sánchez’s original composition “Un Retoño de Santiago” celebrates his family heritage and belonging. The album closes with “The Christmas Song,” which reflects on his early ambition to become a singer.
Sánchez trained at the Eastman School of Music under tenor Robert Swensen. Although he faced rejection during his first audition, he later earned admission and continued toward a career in opera while maintaining close ties to Caribbean music.
Musicians: Christopher Sánchez, baritone singer; Jazmine Saunders, soprano singer (2, 3, 6); Carlos Mena, upright bass; Keisel Jimenez, timbal; Edgar Martinez Ochoa, congas, bongo & addiitonal percussion; Giovanni Siveroni, trumpet; Xito Lowell, trombone; Dayramir González, piano; Monica Davis, violin; Yesu Woo, violin; Angela Pickett, viola; and Laura Metcalf, violoncello.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
