Juan "Johnny" Huerta - Biography Q&A
American tenor, Juan "Johnny" Huerta was born in Phoenix, Arizona the youngest of nine children residing in the far Northwest Valley. In April 2008, Johnny was awarded a scholarship affording him an opportunity to receive professional training. He auditioned for Phoenix Metropolitan Opera's founders and immediately began professional development with Gail Dubinbaum and John Massaro. In January 2009, Johnny was invited to both Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University to participate in national auditions for an opportunity to attend their respective and very exclusive summer programs. He received invitations to NAU's program in Fidenza, Italy and Taos Opera Institute in New Mexico. Mr. Huerta attended an intensive five-week program held in the Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico and concluded his studies with limited participation in Santa Fe Opera's critically acclaimed summer program.
Mr. Huerta has had the distinctive honor and pleasure of performing concerts with Phoenix Opera and other groups becoming acquainted with and befriending several international artists featured in PMO's productions. On October 1st, 2009, what initially started out as a comedic relief quickly evolved into the formation of a professional group; Johnny accepted an invitation to join Phoenix Opera's "Los Tres Tenors" alongside colleagues Francisco Renteria and Guillermo Ontiveros (both hailing from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico). In 2011 Los Tres Tenors debuted at the world renowned Musical Instrument Museum to the pleasure of a sold-out crowd. Later that year, Johnny made his professional operatic stage-debut at the historic Phoenix Orpheum Theater in a lead role in Phoenix Opera's production of La Traviata.
In addition to his musical career, Mr. Huerta maintains a strong sense of community service. Johnny serves as a public-safety volunteer and has also mentored youth in the United States National Guard's Arizona Project Challenge Program. He's visited local youth theaters - lending his talents in performance for student actors, soloists, and the like - serving as an inspiration of sorts, encouraging young men and women to wholeheartedly pursue their dreams. He also performs for non-profit charities across the state such as the American Liver Foundation's "Flavors of Phoenix" annual fundraiser, Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center, Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, Arizona Cursillo Movemnet, Cesar Chavez Foundation, and Community Celebrating Diversity and the YMCA.