Q&A: Singer talks opera

Joshua Guerrero says he's "late to the opera game" and was previously singing pop music for a couple of years before he focused on opera.

The 29-year-old is a tenor in the Santa Fe Opera's Apprentice Singer Program.

• What is your favorite song to sing in the show?

"No Puede Ser," which comes from the Spanish operetta, "La Tabernera Del Puerto" by Pablo Sorozabal.

• What is your personal way of warming up for a show? Do you have any uncommon regimens?

I do pushups to get my energy up, but I try to be as peaceful as possible, and occasionally I pray.

• What was your most embarrassing moment when performing?

I can't think of one right off the top of my head, but my biggest fear is to completely forget all my words. There was a couple of times where I forgot the words to songs when I was a gondolier at the Venetian Resort and Casino in Vegas. So I was on a boat singing and serenading people and I'd forget the words in Italian and just made some up.

• What are your future plans with opera music?

I was offered a contract by L.A. opera for the 2012-2013 season to be in the young artist program.

• Who are your inspirations in music?

Louis Miguel. I listened to him a lot growing up. The Eagles and The Beatles are the pop and rock side of me. In opera, there's no denying (Luciano) Pavarotti. I know he's the biggest names in opera, but he is for a reason.

— Compiled by PNT senior writer Christina Calloway

Fast facts

What: The Santa Fe Opera Spring Tour

When/where: 7 p.m. today, ENMU's Music Building in Buchanan Hall; 7 p.m. Thursday, Clovis Community College Town Hall.

The production is directed by Kathleen Clawson and will feature arias and songs, including a short original piece titled, "Words and Music."