Gilda Cruz-Romo

Gilda Cruz-Romo (February 12, 1940 – June 28, 2025) was a Mexican operatic soprano, particularly associated with dramatic roles of the Italian repertory, performed throughout the United States and Europe. She first appeared at the Metropolitan Opera as Puccini's Madama Butterfly where she performed most of Verdi's leading ladies. She portrayed his Aida for her debuts at both the Royal Opera House in London and at La Scala in Milan, and at the Verona Arena.

Life and career Born Gilda Cruz in Guadalajara, Jalisco, on February 12, 1940, she studied at the Mexico City Conservatory with Ángel Esquivel. Elisabetta in Don Carlo, Amelia in Un ballo in maschera and Desdemona in Otello and the title roles in Puccini's Manon Lescaut, Suor Angelica and Tosca.

Cruz-Romo was very active in concert and recital as well. She did not make any commercial recordings, but live recordings of her best roles exist. and later lived with her husband Roberto Romo in San Antonio. Roberto died in 2018.