Tucson opera singer remembered for his kindness, impact | Top Stories

TUCSON, Ariz. – (KVOA) Juan Cristobal Flores was a gifted singer who’s voice touched everyone he met.

Flores, 30, died Thursday, six days after he and another employee were shot at a Goodwill Donation Center on the Southeast side.

He was a singer with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus for four years.

he symphony chorus director remembers her friend for his warmth.

He was just a role model for hard work and for kindness,” Tucson Symphony Chorus Director Dr. Marcela Molina said. “I was always touched in Juan’s demeanor of kindness and warmth. He always had a smile on his face, always present and engaged in conversations or rehearsals. He was just a wonderful human being.”

Members of Flores’ church choir sang his favorite Christmas carol, “The First Noel” at a vigil outside his hospital room Tuesday night.

Molina talked about Flores’ work ethic. She described him as a beloved member of the chorus.

“He was extremely committed to his craft, to the ensemble and his role as a staff singer,” she said. “He was a role model for his hard work and kindness. Everyone was willing and happy to sing with him because he was a warm presence for everybody. Everyone is just devastated and so heartbroken. Everyone is just so sad, for us, and also for his beautiful family.”

The Tucson Symphony Orchestra and several different choirs Flores sang in throughout his life, are planning a memorial concert in his honor later this month.

“And, every single note, you bet that every single note that is going to be sung in that concert is going to be for him,” Molina said.

The memorial concert to honor and celebrate the life of Juan Cristobal Flores is scheduled for Friday Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. at Catalina United Methodist Church.