Born in Navojoa, Sonora, México, tenor Arnulfo Velásquez started his vocal training with Maestro José G. Briano at UNAM-National School of Music in México City. After moving to Arizona, the tenor completed a Master’s degree in voice performance at University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. From 1996 to 2010, Velásquez was part of the Arizona Opera Company with which he sang as a chorister and soloist in over 20 productions. 

Throughout almost 30 years of artistic activities, the tenor has performed numerous song recitals that include Italian, Neapolitan, Mexican and German songs. Some examples are:

• A full recital of German Lieder in Hermosillo, Sonora in May of 2018 as part of the International Festival del Pitic. 

• A recital of Latin American songs at the University of Texas in Corpus Christi in 2019. 

• FAOT music festivals in Alamos, Sonora in 2022 and 2023. 

• “Tangos y Boleros del Recuerdo” at Fiestas del Pitic in Hermosillo, Sonora. 

• Numerous performances in Tucson, AZ at venues such as the Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson Meet Yourself Festival, among others. 

• Velásquez is also an active vocal educator who coaches mariachi singers, and choristers in Tucson, AZ. 

Along with his singing career, Velásquez has worked as a pedagogue during many years with the UA College of Education and the Tucson Unified School District. He currently collaborates with the College of Humanities as a part time professor of Critical Language.