A Young Menorcan Voice on the Liceu Stage
At just eleven years old, Aina Amaro Llufriu stepped onto one of Spain’s most famous opera houses, the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, and sang alongside seasoned performers. Her participation in Jules Massenet’s “Werther” showcased not only her talent but also the deep musical roots she carries from Menorca.
Early Steps in Music
Aina began her musical journey at age six, joining the Cor Vivaldi petits cantors de Catalunya, a semi‑professional choir linked to the IPSI school in Barcelona. The group emphasizes choral work, giving young singers like Aina regular stage experience. By age ten she had already taken part in national competitions, concerts, and festivals across Spain, including a finalist placement in the prestigious Grand National Choral Singing Prize in San Vicente de la Barquera.
In addition to singing, Aina started violin lessons in 2024 and practices about six hours a week. Her dedication shows how she balances rehearsals with schoolwork—she recently finished fifth grade with excellent grades.
The Werther Experience
Being chosen for “Werther” was a mix of excitement and nerves. Aina recalls feeling thrilled when she learned she would perform at the Liceu, though a brief bout of stage fright hit her just before stepping onto the boards. Once on stage, she sang as part of a sextet drawn from the choir’s thirty voices and also had a solo moment portraying Charlotte’s Charlotte, the protagonist Charlotte, the protagonist’s sister.
The production, directed by Christof Lloyd from La Scala in Milan, featured the world premiere of tenor Xabier Anduaga as Werther. Singing beside such accomplished artists gave Aina a backstage look at what she calls “one of the great cathedrals of opera.”
Balancing School and Passion
Aina describes herself as an applied student who loves learning. While music occupies a large part of her life, she keeps her grades high and still finds time for hobbies. She jokes that singing might remain a hobby, but she never wants to let it go completely.
Love for Menorca
Born to a Menorcan mother, neurologist Sara Lluufriu Durán, Aina feels a strong connection to the island. She visits her grandparents in Punta Prima every Christmas and during a summer month, enjoying time with family and the sea. This bond influences her aspirations: she dreams of becoming a marine biologist when she grows up, hoping to protect the waters she loves.
Dreams for the Future
Looking ahead, Aina hopes her choir, Cor Vivaldi, will one day perform at the Teatre Principal de Maó in Menorca. She sees such a concert as a way to bring her two worlds together—her Catalan‑Menorcan identity and her passion for choral music.
Conclusion
Aina Amaro Llufriu’s story shows how early exposure to music, supportive family, and personal determination can open doors to prestigious stages like the Liceu. Her talent, combined with a genuine love for both singing and the sea, points to a bright future—whether on the opera stage, in a marine biology lab, or both.
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Images Credit: www.menorca.info