World-famous
for his intense and original interpretations of opera characters,
notably Verdi's Otello and Saint-Saëns' Samson, as well
as for his unconventional and innovative concert performances,
José Cura is the first artist to have sung and conducted
simultaneously (both in concert and on recordings) and the
first to combine singing with symphonic works in a ‘half
and half' concert format. Cura
made operatic history when he first conducted Cavalleria
Rusticana and then stepped on stage after intermission to
sing Canio in Pagliacci at the Hamburg Opera in February
2003. A compelling actor and charismatic stage performer,
Cura has been featured in numerous telecasts of opera and
concert productions from venues around the world. Blessed
with a rich, burnished tenor voice, mesmerizing stage presence
and abundant charm, José Cura has been thrilling audiences
since he first burst onto the international music scene.
His intelligent, insightful, sometimes controversial but
always intense and unforgettable performances have made him
a familiar name atop marquees at the most prestigious theaters
in the world, including Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House,
Vienna State Opera, Grand Teatro Liceu, Zurich Opera House
and Teatro alla Scala.
But
Cura is much more than an operatic superstar. He is a trained
composer and conductor, a fine guitarist, a brilliant performer,
a natural showman determined to use the best music to engage,
entertain, and educate. His concerts, whether held outside in
front of thousands or in the more intimate setting of a music
hall, feature a fine fusion of arias, pop tunes and orchestral
pieces, the latter often conducted with unmistakable flare by
Cura himself.
He has recently premiered "La commedia e finita": an opera, prose and
dance show for which he has been in charge of the set design and direction.
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