Josep Carreras back on stage: a huge success in Oradea (Romania)
This was definitely a "Save the date" kind of event. After almost a two-year stop due to the pandemic, our beloved tenor Josep Carreras went on stage again. He offered an open air concert at Piața Unirii in Oradea, Romania.
At first, 2.000 seats were available but the event went immediately sold-out, so 500 extra seats were added. Despite that, over 1.000 standing people watched nearby what has been referred to as "an impossible dream", a legend like Josep Carreras performing in Oradea. The dream eventually came true.
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| Photo: Aiurelian Miu |
Carreras shared the stage with a young Romanian soprano, born and raised in Chicago, Laura Bretan, and Maestro David Giménez conducted the Oradea State Philarmonic.
PRESS AND PHOTOS
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A few days before the concert, a press conference took place right after the tenor landed at the airport.
First of all, he expressed his happiness about performing again, as the last 20 months have been very difficult to him.
When he was asked about the secret of his vitality, he confessed that it is his passion for his profession: "In every profession, the most important thing is the love for what you do, and certainly - excuse me, but the profession of the singer is the most beautiful in the world. No matter how old you are or how hard times are, as now... as long as you have passion and enthusiasm, you are determined to do your best and that brings you joy" said Josep Carreras.
As he told the press, he really enjoys performing in Romania. He did it several times but never before in Oradea, so this is particularly challenging to him. He said he expected a warm, educated audience who loves culture, hoping to bring joy to people.
After that, in September he will also sing in Vienna, Seville, probably Glasgow. In October, he will spend two weeks in Italy on occasion of his masterclass in Pesaro and his role as President of the Jury for the Premio Fausto Ricci Singing Contest in Viterbo, then he will sing a few recitals with Lorenzo Bavaj in Japan.
During the press conference, he also stressed the importance of supporting younger artists: "It is my duty and that of artists of my generation to protect young musicians, and to try to give them the best advice, from our experience".
PRESS AND PHOTOS
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VIDEO
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The concert lasted about one hour and 40 minutes, which included the official program and 4 encores.
The tenor sang solo pieces from his varied repertoire, including L'Ultima Canzone, Pecché, Serenata Sincera, The Impossible Dream, Vurria, Musica Proibita, and Passione. He was also joined by Laura Bretan, who also sang a few solo songs and arias, for some duets, such as Moon River and Non ti scordar di me.
The four encores were Chitarra Romana and Granada as far from the tenor's side, O mio babbino caro and duet Amigos para siempre.
After the concert, Laura Bretan used the very title of Lloyd Webber's piece to describe the connection she immediately felt performing with Carreras. In particular, she said he was very welcoming and open towards her, and that she is very grateful for such honor and for the warm support she received from him.
Even the press mentioned the admiration, emotion and joy the 19-year soprano was looking at him with, while Carreras supported her with a discrete, protective instinct.
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| Photo: Laura Bretan - Facebook |
At the end of the concert, both singers and the conductor, David Giménez, pointed at the Oradea State Philarmonic as a well-deserved recognition for their excellent performance. Under Giménez's baton, they played The Arlesienne Suite. Farandole by Georges Bizet, Waltz no. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich, and the Intermezzo from Jiménez's La boda de Luis Alonso.
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| Photo: Laura Bretan - Facebook |
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