
Born in Lima, 1973, Flórez found his voice
singing Peruvian folk songs and writing pop; he used to take his own songs to
piano bars around the city. Intending to continue in this vein through his
teenage years, he enrolled at Lima’s Conservatory, where he soon discovered how
well his voice suited opera. In 1996, he made his professional debuts in Pesaro
and Milan, and in 2001 signed an exclusive deal with Decca. The decade and a
half since has seen him become amongst the most feted singers in the world,
with lead appearances in all the major opera houses. Although chiefly known for
his bel canto work, he has also
successfully branched out into other repertoire, and recorded albums of music
from France and his native South America. The singer that will perform at the
Royal Albert Hall is a man at the pinnacle of his career – a peak that only a
handful can match.
Flórez’s performance will centre around
works from his most recent solo LP, Italia. Focused on the Italian operatic repertoire that Flórez has so convincingly
made his own, Italia gathers both aria highlights of of the bel canto –
Rossini’s ‘Bolero’ and ‘La Danza’, Donizetti’s ‘Amor Marinaro’ – with popular later songs, including Leoncavallo’s ‘Mattinata’ and Tosti’s ‘Marechaire’. The set
ends with the Neapolitan standard ‘O sole mio’, most famously performed by
Pavarotti but lighter under Flórez’ bright voice. As on the
record, Florez will be joined by the Filarmonica Gioachino Rossini Orchestra –
specialists in the music of their native Italy. Christopher Franklin conducts in what will surely be one of 2016's most spectacular vocal concerts.
What | Juan Diego Flórez, Royal Albert Hall |
Where | Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP | MAP |
Nearest tube | South Kensington (underground) |
When |
On 29 Mar 16, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM |
Price | £36.20-79.00 |
Website | Click here to book via the Royal Albert Hall |