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The company's The Barber of Seville Something to sing about! By Laura Joint Internationally renowned tenor José Cura has agreed to be Patron of New Devon Opera - and he's coming to the county to lead an opera masterclass.

A Devon opera company has something to sing out load about, after internationally famous tenor José Cura agreed to become its new patron.

New Devon Opera, currently enjoying its second full season, approached the Argentinian-born singer about the role - and he said 'yes' straight away.

And he will also be leading a master with around a dozen singers. That will take place in Devon in the spring of 2007, with the singers then performing in a special concert.

Ivybridge-based New Devon Opera is a professional touring company but is a not-for-profit charity. So it uses professional performers, but financially is reliant on ticket sales and donations - although there are plans to apply for Arts Council funding.

In 2005 - its first season - the company performed The Magic Flute at venues across Devon.

José Cura

This summer, the chosen opera is Rossini's The Barber of Seville, with venues at Kingsbridge, Dartmouth, Exmouth and Chudleigh.

The company auditions for the roles and this year, three of the principal singers are from Devon. Other performers are from elsewhere in the South West and London, while the community chorus is selected from local groups.

Chair of New Devon Opera, Linda Hughes, explains how she managed to sign up José Cura as Patron: "I was speaking to him at the Royal Opera House and I asked him. And he said yes!

"We're thrilled. He's a mega international star."

The singer, now based in Madrid, was only too happy to oblige when asked to become Patron. He said: "I truly hope that New Devon Opera enjoys economic success which will allow the company to develop in a strong and confident way."

And it gets better, because the tenor is coming to Devon to lead a masterclass with a group of singers who successfully audition for places.

Applications must be submitted by 30th November 2006 and is open to singers nationally. Anthony Legge, Director of Opera at the Royal Academy, will head a team which will draw up a short-list of some 25 singers.

Audiences have loved The Barber of Seville

Auditions will be held in London on 24-26 April 2007, and the 25 or so selected singers will be heard by José Cura. He will choose 10-12 singers and work with them in late April and early May 2007.

Then, on 6th May, the public will be able to watch him hold a masterclass with the singers at a venue in South Devon which has yet to be named.

Finally, on 7th May, the singers will give a public concert of their work and José Cura will select a winner.

Over the same weekend, 5-6 May, Anthony Legge is running a repetiteur course in Devon.

Cura himself will not be singing at the events in South Devon.

"He's giving us seven days of his time, which is fantastic," said Linda. "We're advertising nationally and locally and I've contacted major agents and opera companies, so I've had some names from them.

"If we can make this successful, we think we can get him here to do it as an even bigger national event."

Starting from scratch has been hard work for New Devon Opera, and Linda is hoping the company can build on the start it has made.

"So far things have gone well. We are developing an audience base - we have a mailing list of around 400 people - and the reception we have received at shows is fantastic.

"Next year, we are doing Tosca and we've been invited to perform in Buckinghamshire for that.

"We need to be able to show what we can do in order to get grants - what we're doing is a risk and it's an expensive business.

"We're taking it step by step. But we are building on the start we've made."

* To apply for a place in the masterclass, contact New Devon Opera on 01626 365861.

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José Cura to Receive Zenatello Award

 

It has been announced that the Fondazione Verona per l’Arena will award José Cura the 22nd International Prize for singing.  The Zenatello award, named for the great Veronese artist who produced shows in the Arena in 1913, consists of a sculpture by master craftsman Alberto Zucchetta and is given to an artist who has performed at the Arena in previous seasons to great acclaim from both public and critics. 

A second award is given to to a young artist who has made his or her debut in the arena to great public approval.

José Cura will receive the Zenatello prize for his work at the arena as evidenced by his work in 2005 when the tenor undertook the roles of Radames and Calaf.  Ildiko Komlosi who was 'tender and passionate' as Laura in Ponchielli's la Gioconda will receive the award for outstanding debut. 

Both prizes will be delivered during the interval at the Arena. (posted July 06)

 

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Posted June 2006

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The singer receives the golden award from the Friends of the Opera

The tenor José Cura has received homage from opera supporters in the city of Lleida. The Association of Friends of the Opera organized the recognition, which consisted of a reception by the Town Council, presided over by the mayor Àngel Ros, followed by a recital by soprano Maria Ruíz in the Auditorium Enric Granados.

The City Council presented José Cura with a figure representing Lleida composer Enric Granados at the piano. During the concert later that evening, the tenor also received the insignia of gold from the Friends of Opera.  

 

The town hall of Lleida pays a tribute to José Cura

 

Terra Actualidad

21 Feb 06

The Association of Friends of Opera will present a golden award to José Cura on 22 February.  The award comes in recognition of Cura’s brilliant career in the operatic world. 

A reception with the mayor of the city of Lleida will take place in the afternoon, followed by a celebration held that evening in the Municipal Hall, where Maria Ruiz, accompanied by piano player David Baron, will present a concert in Cura’s honor.  Cura will then receive the golden insignia of the Amigos de la Ópera de Lleida from Xavier Sàez, along with the president of the Friends of the Opera of Lleida, Francesco Brugnoli, and the secretary of the company, Joaquim Mora.

Cura receives the award in recognition of his position as one of the greatest vocalist of the past few years.  He has performed on the main opera stages of the world and is a conductor, composer, and guitarist.

The Argentine tenor is performing at the Liceu de Barcelona this month, starring in the title role of ‘Otello.’  Cura will take advantage of his stay in Barcelona to come to Lleida to receive his award.

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José Cura receives 2005 'Piacenza Musica' Award

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Telethon

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José Cura receives 2005 'Piacenza Musica' Award

First was Riccardo Muti, an institution in the Italian music universe, but second comes José Cura, the brilliant musical artist from Argentina.

 

During Cura's concert in Piacenza on 13 December, Mayor Roberto Reggi will present the musician with the City of Piacenza-Giuseppi Verdi award in recognition of Cura's contribution to classical music as both singer and conductor.  The award itself, designed by Giulio Manfredi, is described as a stylized boat on the river Po and is crafted in fine wood, gold, and silver inlaid with precious stones, an homage to the twin worlds of Art and Culture and the love of beauty that knows no borders. 

 

The award will be given annually to an artist of international significance who has inspired critical approval and audience affection.  That Cura receives the recognition so soon after its establishment is tribute to his reputation as one of the greatest tenors of the age, his artistry on the podium, his warm relationship with fans, and his on-going activities in support of young musicians.  The award joins a growing list of honors that celebrate this talented and charismatic man.

 

Once more, our congratulations to José Cura!

 

Related article in Italian:

MUSICA: ASSEGNATO AL TENORE JOSE' CURA IL PREMIO 'PIACENZA MUSICA'

(AGE) PIACENZA - Dopo Riccardo Muti - a cui è stato assegnato lo scorso anno - sarà il tenore José Cura a ricevere il Premio "Piacenza Musica", istituito nel 2004 dall'Amministrazione Comunale nell'ambito delle manifestazioni celebrative del bicentenario del Teatro Municipale. A consegnare il premio - simboleggiato da una barca sul Po in oro ed argento con pietre preziose creato dallo stilista orafo Giulio Manfredi - sarà il sindaco di Piacenza Roberto Reggi durante una breve cerimonia nel corso di un concerto di musica classica, che il celebre tenore argentino (che non disdegna di cimentarsi anche sul podio) dirigerà domani sera al Municipale piacentino. Il programma della serata, che vedrà impegnata l'orchestra della Fondazione Arturo Toscanini e, come solista, il pianista Giuseppe Albanese, prevede le "Danze di Galanta" di Zoltan Kodaly, il "Concerto n. 2 in do min. per pianoforte ed orchestra op. 18" di Sergej Rachmaninov e, sempre di Rachmaninov, la "Sinfonia n. 2 in mi min. op. 27". Nato a Rosario, Santa Fe (Argentina) il 5 dicembre 1962, Jose Cura ha studiato musica con dei corsi di chitarra dall'età di dodici anni. La sua prima apparizione come direttore di corale a 15 anni e a 18 anni l'esordio in composizione e piano. Fra le sue apparizioni più prestigiose la sua interpretazione di Sansone al Covent Garden nel 1996, il suo debutto con Tosca all'Opera di Vienna, e nel 1997 Otello diretto da Claudio Abbado. Dal 1996 è Padrino internazionale della Fondazione della Musica per la Gioventù d'Australia. Nel 2000 ha recitato un album di canzoni argentine, Anhelo, e ricevuto il premio di Cantante dell'anno della Echo per la sua registrazione di Sansone e Dalila. Ha ricevuto vari riconoscimenti e premi fra cui il Premio Abbiati della critica italiana e nel 1999 l'Università di Buenos Aires lo ha insignito del titolo di Professore Honoris Causae. La sua carriera di cantante si alterna da qualche anno a quella di direttore d'orchestra. (AGE) RED-CENT

posted 12 Dec 05

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José Cura becomes Patron of New Devon Opera

It is our great pleasure to announce that Chevalier Maestro José Cura has agreed to become Patron of New Devon Opera.

Maestro Cura accepted an invitation to become Patron during his recent performance at Covent Garden where he met NDO's chairman, Linda Hughes.

“The one thing that immediately convinced me to accept my role of Patron, is the social commitment of the company, which will not hesitate to use any available resource in order to bring the message of beauty and harmony that good music carries, to every corner of Devon”.  

Linda said "Maestro Cura wants to be involved with the company as much as his international commitments will allow, we have been discussing ideas for future events and ways in which, together, we can help to promote opera in our region….especially for singers starting out on their professional careers. And we are enormously pleased and proud that he feels able to take on the Patron’s role.”

The renowned opera singer, conductor and composer, who was singing the lead tenor role in October in Puccini’s “La Fanciulla del West” at Covent Garden, sprang to international fame in the 1990’s and is now in demand at all the world’s major opera houses. Maestro Cura is well-regarded within the opera profession not only as one of the world’s outstanding tenors, but also as a committed teacher willing to share his skills with young singers.

Linda says everyone in NDO is delighted that Maestro Cura will bring his formidable talents to help develop the company into a national force.

“I truly hope that New Devon Opera enjoys economic success which will allow the company to develop in a strong and confident way. "

New Devon Opera has been set up to promote and tour opera within Devon and the South West – the first time that this region has had its own professional opera company. As a “not-for-profit” company, NDO will also promote productions and concerts that support charitable and educational undertakings. New Devon Opera is already providing opportunities for local as well as national singers and musicians. The company's partner orchestra is the South West Sinfonietta.

New Devon Opera Website

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOSÉ CURA

We send warm thanks to an artist who continues to balance a tremendously successful career as singer, conductor, and businessman with his commitment to making classical music accessible to all. 

José Cura's acts of charity, his efforts on behalf of the people of Devon as well as his well-known and on-going support of young performers around the world demonstrate once more that it is only through hands-on involvement and personal sacrifice by the leaders in any field that new ground is broken, new heights scaled, new achievements noted.

We are so happy that of all the wonderful musicians we could have picked to champion, we chose the one with the biggest heart and greatest vision.

Once more,

Bravo, José Cura!

posted 6 Dec 05

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Posted November 2005

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When in Verona . .. Pick up José Cura's Latest CDs

Exclusive Italian distribution in famous opera destination

Between engagements at Arena di Verona (Aida and Turandot), the famous Argentine tenor José Cura took time to introduce his three most recent compact discs to Ricordi on the via Mazzini.  

The introduction is particularly welcome in that Verona is currently the only city in Italy which stocks his centenary tribute album to Antonín Dvořák.  This exciting new album features the composer's love song cycle for voice and piano, sung in Czech by the tenor, as well as the famous 9th Symphony, with Cura conducting the Matav Hungarian Symphony Orchestra in an exciting live performance.

"Over the years," says Cura, "Verona has given me a lot.  When I first left Argentina, I found refuge in Cerro. After covering for the role of Don Carlo at the Arena in '92, I stepped on stage to make my debut in Henze's Pollicino at the Teatro Nuovo.  I will never forget my first job as a professional."

The Dvořák CD joins Cura's other two releases under the Cuibar label, the critically acclaimed Rachmaninov Symphony #2 and Aurora, a recital disk filled with vocal gems and dedicated to Cura's homeland, Argentina.

Posted Summer 2005

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José Cura Performs in Plymouth

One of the world's finest tenors, Argentinian José Cura, is performing with Devon's very own Ten Tors Orchestra this autumn.

Devon's Ten Tors Orchestra will be playing the concert of their lives in September, alongside world famous tenor José Cura.

The Argentinian opera star is appearing at the Plymouth Pavilions on Tuesday 6th September 2005, and the gala concert also features the Ten Tors Orchestra.

Cura will be singing and conducting in the show, which is a fore-runner to next year's inaugural International Music Festival in Plymouth.

Cura's appearance is a real coup for Plymouth. The tenor has starred in performances at major opera houses across the world.

Over the years, he has performed in Othello in Japan,  Tosca in Vienna, and in Turandot in Verona - among others. His CDs have also brought him a wider audience.

But he's more than just a singer - he is also a conductor and composer, making him one of the most multi-skilled opera stars around.

The concert will be followed by a gala dinner at the Moathouse Hotel in the presence of José Cura, and the Festival's patron, Sir Tim Rice.

The evening is helping to launch the 2006 Festival, which takes place in September with a series of events.

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Enjoy International Talent

27 July 2005

University of Plymouth

International opera star José Cura will conduct the Ten Tors Orchestra – sharing the podium with conductor Simon Ible – at a spectacular Gala Opera Concert at the Plymouth Pavilions from 7.30pm on Tuesday 6 September.

 

New Zealand-born Samoan baritone Jonathan Lemalu and British soprano Alison Buchanan will also appear as guest soloists at the concert.

 

The programme will include arias, duets, overtures and dances from Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Tchaikovsky’s Eugine Onegin, Gounod’s Faust , Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Dvorak’s Rusalka and Kern’s Showboat.

 

This is the second event promoted by Peninsula Arts in partnership with Plymouth Pavilions that previews the new Plymouth International Festival of Music being held in the city in September 2006.

 

The concert will be followed by a Grand Festival Dinner at the Moat House Hotel that will be attended by José Cura and Sir Tim Rice, Patron of the Plymouth International Festival of Music. They are the invited guests of the University of Plymouth and Plymouth City Council.

 

Simon Ible, Conductor of the Ten Tors Orchestra and Director of Music at the University of Plymouth, said: “Opera is emerging as one of the most popular music genres for audiences in the South West. This programme features three guest musicians of international repute supported by our very own professional Ten Tors Orchestra performing a stunning mix of some of the best loved opera composers. For me this will be the most exciting music event staged in Plymouth this year. The concert celebrates the launch next year of the new Plymouth International Festival of Music. We are also grateful for the support from Sir Tim Rice who will attend the concert is his position as Festival Patron. He will also be Guest of Honour at the Grand Festival Dinner that follows the concert. This is going to be a truly festive experience.”

 

 

 

 

José Cura Included in Classic FM Great Singers CD

 

'Stunning performances by the world's favorite voices'

 

José Cura joins a select group of immortal singers, including Enrico Caruso, Maria Callas, Beniamino Gigli, Bryn Terfel, and Cecilia Bartoli, in a compilation album.

 

'Although the Argentinian tenor José Cura was a relatively late starter to singer--his professional career began aged 26--he soon made up for lost time, singing numerous lead roles in all the world's major opera houses, becoming one of his generations greatest stars.  His brilliant upper register and powerful, supple voice are superbly captured in this rousing Verdi aria.'  (Celeste Aida)  (May 2005)

 

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The Next Tenor

 

by Tim Page

Washington Post

May 2005

(excerpts)

 

WASHINGTON – It is almost 15 years since Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras joined forces for a concert at the Roman Baths of Caracalla and, in so doing, dramatically transformed the business of classical music.

Overnight, they became known as “the Three Tenors,” and their album went on to sell about 15 million copies – an unheard-of number for the classical recording industry, where sales of 100,000 had hitherto been considered smashingly successful.

Whether the success of “The Three Tenors” was a good thing for classical music has been much debated. In the same way that blockbusters such as “Jaws” and “Star Wars” set new financial goals for Hollywood – encouraging studios to emphasize prefabricated, comic-book-like “hits” – “The Three Tenors,” in the very act of proving that an ostensibly “classical” album could make a fortune, helped inspire a vast dumbing-down at the record companies.

Still, the Three Tenors were a phenomenon and, on whatever level, they brought opera into the lives of many who had been unaware, dismissive or simply scared of it. Now, with the trio unlikely to sing together again – Pavarotti is in the midst of a farewell world tour, Domingo is cutting back on his appearances while keeping busy running opera houses in Washington and Los Angeles, and Carreras (always the least significant of the three) is singing with much less suavity than he once did – maybe it is time for their saddened admirers to start looking toward a new generation of tenors who may have been undervalued.

[...]  A few names come up again and again. There is Roberto Alagna, who was hyped as the “fourth tenor” as far back as the mid-1990s and was regularly booked as a duo with his wife, the glamorous and volatile soprano Angela Gheorghiu. Effectively self-taught, Alagna began as a light, supple lyric tenor but has moved increasingly into heavier roles; he is equally at home in the French and the Italian repertory.

Then there is José Cura, who has sung both Samson and Otello in Washington. He combines a full, ringing tenor voice (complete with marked baritonal shadings and just a hint of the trumpet) with a commanding and athletic stage presence...  (May 2005)

José Cura as Photographer

 

José Cura has announced that a Swiss editorial has approached him about being part of its catalogue with his photo book. Negotiations are on the table and they may lead to the publication of the art-book very soon.  Expect to read more information on José Cura's website. (March 2005)

 

Down the Mask!

Giù la maschera! (Down the mask!), the book being written by Serenella Gragnani and José Cura about analysis and interpretation of opera characters through the lens of psychoanalysis applied on José Cura's original approach of his characters, will be published soon.  (March 2005)
 

 

 

José Cura Raises Awareness of Leukemia in Lisbon

 

 

 

Four thousand fans applauded enthusiastically as José Cura demonstrated once more why he is one of the most complete artists in the world.  Moving easily between the classical repertoire as both singer and conductor to popular songs sung with favorite Portuguese artists, Cura rallied the crowd to support leukemia research and encourage donors to help in treating this cancer of the blood.  It was an evening that couldn't miss:  great music with a great stylist for a great cause.  Bravo to all associated with this endeavor, but especially for José Cura for once more showing his kind and generous heart.

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Rosanna for finding and sending! (Nov 04)

 

 

 

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José Cura is a Voice for Hospice

 

 

Raise your voice on
Saturday 8 October 2005

 

José Cura, Dame Judi Dench and Sir Willard White step forward as the first artistic patrons of the world's largest simultaneous singing event.

Voices for Hospices has announced a new biennial format for its next series of global concerts.
Starting in New Zealand on Saturday 8 October the 2005, more than 500 performances will be held around the globe over 24 hours as performers from all walks of life come together.

Created in 1991, VfH (Voices for Hospices) set out to raise awareness and money for Hospices and palliative care in Britain. It became so successful that within only a few years it was taking place around the world.

The last event took place in more than 40 countries and raised over £1.5million for local units. It is now supported not only by great artists but also by political and spiritual leaders. 'It is wonderful how the hospice movement has grown in recent years', wrote Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 'It is a tribute to the compassion and caring of thousands of individuals. It speaks volumes about our humanity, about how we are bound up together in the bundle of life.'

Dame Judi Dench, who recorded 2003's 'unifying poem' and José Cura and Sir Willard White, who have performed at previous VfH concerts, are delighted to become artistic patrons of this 'amazing event'.

 

The beneficial effect Voices for Hospices has in communities globally has reached new heights this year. Following early conversations between our own Help the Hospices and US hospice colleagues and then with international hospice and palliative care associations, the concept of a World Hospice Day, which Voices for Hospices will share, has been enthusiastically welcomed. This will make a significant impact on hospice awareness and funding.
 

 

 

Thanks to Rosanna for sending!  (added 5 Nov 2004)

 

 

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Three Cultures Update

(thanks to Dana and Monica)

ÓPERA ACTUAL ran a story about the Coliseo de la tres Culturas in October that included the following reference to José Cura:

 

"It is possible that José Cura will come to take on the artistic supervision of the opera season as he has confirmed from Zurich as this edition goes to press, stating that he continues to be in negotiations with José Luis Moreno. The Argentinian tenor who lives in Madrid is very involved in creating the Symphony orchestra and Choir for Coliseo de Las Tres Culturas as he had explained in the interview on these pages in the summer edition."

 

Es posible que por estos días José Cura asuma además la dirección artística de la temporada de ópera, tal y como ha confirmado al cierre de esta edición a ÓPERA ACTUAL desde Zurich, afirmando que estaba en conversaciones respecto de este apartado con José Luis Moreno. El tenor argentino residente en Madrid está muy implicado en la creación de una Orquesta Sinfónica y de un Coro para el Coliseo de las Tres Culturas, tal y como explicaba en la entrevista publicada en estas mismas páginas en su edición de verano

 

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José Cura “keeps negotiating” over the responsibilities of the artistic and musical directorship of the Coliseo de las Tres Culturas.

 

Madrid (Europa Press)

Translated by Monica B

 

Tenor and conductor José Cura continues the negotiations with impresario José Luis Moreno to define what his responsibilities as artistic and musical director of the Coliseo de las Tres Culturas project would be.

 

In statements to Europa Press, sources from the office of Maestro Cura described this period prior to the construction and the real operation of the Coliseo as “intangible.”

 

They added, however, that these negotiations continue to be “on track” and “have not prevented his beginning to take the step of establishing the first, important, and relevant contacts at the international level that will be needed at the point in time when activity starts.”

 

 

164 million Euros

 

The Coliseo de las Tres Culturas is a project developed and set in motion by impresario José Luis Moreno. The building will be located in the northeastern sector of Madrid. An investment of 164 million Euros is anticipated, financed exclusively by this private initiative.

 

The project, presented with great fanfare this past April and developed architecturally by Ignacio Vicens and Hualde, has the support of Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón himself, even if the commitment of the city is limited to ceding the land for the next 75 years in the wake of the required public process, and the situation today is that the Coliseo is waiting for a permit to begin the…….  

 

 

José Cura "sigue negociando" para hacerse cargo de la dirección artística y musical del Coliseo de las 3 Culturas

MADRID, 10 (EUROPA PRESS)

10 de septiembre de 2004

El tenor y maestro José Cura continua las negociaciones con el empresario José Luis Moreno de cara a definir cuales serán las responsabilidades del cargo de director artístico y musical en el proyecto El Coliseo de las 3 Culturas, del que ya se ha desvinculado la soprano Montserrat Caballé como directora general aludiendo a sus "numerosos compromisos artísticos y personales".

En declaraciones a Europa Press, fuentes de la oficina del maestro José Cura calificaron este periodo previo a la construcción y al funcionamiento propiamente dicho del Coliseo de "intangible".

Sin embargo, añadieron que las citadas negociaciones de José Cura siguen "en curso" y "no han impedido que haya comenzado su gestión estableciendo los primeros, importantes y relevantes contactos a nivel internacional que serán necesarios en el momento de iniciar la actividad".

164 MILLONES DE EUROS

El Coliseo de las 3 Culturas es un proyecto gestado y puesto en marcha por el empresario José Luis Moreno, que parece estar desaparecido en esta polémica sobre la que aún no ha querido pronunciarse. El edificio se localizará en la zona noroeste de Madrid. Se ha previsto una inversión de 164 millones de euros financiados exclusivamente por la iniciativa privada.

Este proyecto, presentado a bombo y platillo el pasado mes de abril y gestado arquitectónicamente por Ignacio Vicens y Hualde, cuenta con el apoyo del propio alcalde de la capital, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, si bien el compromiso municipal se circunscribe a ceder los terrenos para los próximos 75 años tras el necesario concurso público y la situación, a día de hoy, es que el Coliseo se halla a la espera de la licencia que permita iniciar las obras.