Concerts 2016

Bravo Cura

Celebrating José Cura--Singer, Conductor, Director

Concerts

Special Concert in Budapest in February

José Cura in Budapest

Funzine

On 21 February, the Argentinean opera legend José Cura, also known as ’the fourth tenor’ is performing with actress and singer Andrea Mahó in a major crossover concert at Budapest Aréna.Their guest performer will be Zoltán Miller. Prior to the show, the famous tenor answered a few questions regarding this event and his upcoming projects.

This is not your first time in Hungary. How are you preparing for this particular show?

Even though I will be performing Otello (one of the toughest operas of my repertoire) at the Budapest Opera 10 days before my concert with Miss Mahó, the preparation for a pop concert is very different: it is challenging and refreshing at the same time.

You are not only an opera singer but a conductor, and we also know that sometimes you finish your concerts with Argentinean folk songs. How much do these additional features define you as a musician?

Define? We are so used to defining everything in an effort to keep things under control, that we shut the door on what we cannot classify. I sing, I conduct, I direct or design, I write. For some, I am a ’Holistic, Renaissance man’, for others, a ’Jack of all trades’. We tend to define people according to our personal degree of fulfillment or frustration, rather than according to the quality of what such people can offer to us.

How much do you know about your partner Andrea Mahó, who performs with you at Budapest Aréna this time? What are your impressions of her as an artist?

I have heard only nice things about this talented young lady, so I am eager to meet her and do music with her.

What can we know about this particular concert programme and your cooperation with Andrea?

We will present some of the most well-known ’pop classics’ either in solo interpretations or as a duo.

What is your next project after this?

After my concert with Miss Mahó, I’m moving on to Prague for another Otello performance. In March I’m joining a Carmen production at La Scala. I’m not staying away from Hungary very long, though. I’m returning soon to perform with Andrea Rost in Győr, on 3 April.

The Star Tenor Sings the Beatles

“I arrived from a different genre, from musical and operettas, but I really like the classical singing style and that was the idea for doing the crossover concert, which will bring you close to both the classical genre and the pop and musical theatre genre,” said the actress at Monday’s press conference.

Watch a brief video featuring Andrea Mahó and José Cura.

Maestro Cura speaks (in English) at the end of the clip.

José Cura … Andrea Mahó … Hungarian Studio Orchestra … Unique Concert … Budapest

Rolling in Budapest

Aggie Reiter

Just in brief for those to refresh the background of José Cura … he is not your average opera singer. He has a black belt in Kung-fu and is a body builder. Cura is an actor who sings, and not a singer who pretends to act that’s for sure. Born into a music-friendly family, José Cura plays six different instruments. Cura first studied guitar with Juan di Lorenzo. At the age of 15, Cura made his debut as a choral conductor. A year later he began studying composition with Carlos Castro and piano with Zulma Cabrera. In 1982, Cura began studies at the School of Arts of the National University of Rosario to develop his conducting and composition. In 1983 he became assistant conductor for the University choir. The choirmaster … also head of the conservatory … heard Mr. Cura vocalizing jazz improvise during a rehearsal and convinced him to begin studying voice.

Cura’s first public operatic performance was singing ‘E lucevan le stelle’ … after five voice lessons! … and from there the door was open for him into the world of opera.

Cura the world-famous Argentine opera singer has charmed the audience several times given in the previous years concerts in Budapest and now he will make it happen again to bring new and previously participated audience to the forthcoming concert on Saturday, February, 21.2015. 7.30 p.m. at the Papp László Budapest Sports Arena with the non less famous female vocalist, the Hungarian Andrea Mahó performing on stage together with the fantastic music provided by Hungarian Studio Orchestra.

Mahó Andrea, since the beginning of her career, steady success has increased, became well-known, respected singer in Hungary. Her voice, personality, sophisticated style and stage presence dominant experience to her fans.

José Cura – Andrea Mahó Concert – Budapest, Hungary

Rollinginbudapest.com

Aggie Reiter

10 February 2015

Papp László Sports Arena – Budapest

7.30 p.m. – February, 21. 2015.

José Cura, known as the 4th tenor, visited Budapest and attended a private press conference on Monday, 9 February, along with Andrea Mahó.

This is the first time the so-called “pop-music” concert will be heard in Hungary. The concert with Argentine star tenor along with Andrea Mahó will take place at the Papp László Sports Arena in Budapest, where the fantastic musical background will be supported by the Hungarian Studio Orchestra. It was also was announced, the concert will be highlighted by the presence of 60 member of the Hungarian children choir. In addition to José Cura and Andrea Mahó, Zoltán Miller will also perform.

Cura was a bit confused by giving the title of this concert as “crossover,” saying, “It is meaningless, because there is only good and bad music and the rest is snobbery. Some operas specifically reminds the audience of pop music melodies and it good the way it is. Of course there are other operas with heavier music and for some folks it is boring.”

For Cura, who has already performed several times similar concerts, “Having these “lighter concerts,” is kind of relaxing, breathing “fresh air” between the dramatic roles on the opera stages”

He noted that he has been visiting Hungary continuously for over 15 years and that it is like coming home; during these years he has developed ties of friendships with members of the opera house and with many musicians. He said after the request to give a concert in Budapest in joint performance with Andrea Mahó who he previously have not known, he listened to her recordings … and immediately said Yes!

He added that Andrea has a special voice and stage presence. She has an outstanding sound range that not many singers have. There are a lot of singers in the pop world, but many genre do not stand up to scrutiny.

Andrea Mahó said: “My long time awaited dream is now to come true. I appreciate the art of Cura. The concert program we built brings are own ideas of which songs we would like to be included. Naturally, those songs counted that are close to both of us. So the evening will be fulfilled with well-known pop hits, musicals duets … worldwide known popular hits from the Beatles, musical tunes from the West Side Story will hopefully tingle the ears of the audience.”

My personal question to José Cura was, “Your life is filled with so many outstanding professions such as opera singer, composer, conductor, actor and teacher, photographer, businessman, black belt in Kung-fu, a body builder. Have you any dream you haven’t achieved yet in your professional life?” The answer was short and very simple. “I have reach in my professional life the top. I am very family-oriented and I am awaiting for my personal dream to come true, which is for my children to bring some grandchildren into my life.”

Another question: “Do you think it is easy or not, singing pop and musical theater songs instead of opera? Cura’s answer: “It takes more concentration and is a challenge to make sure that I don’t switch over to sing the songs from the pop music or musical like classic opera.”

Once José Cura said … “I pray to God to bring peace to those artistic souls who listen to my music” Well the audience will have the chance to feel his mission.

The Star Tenor Sings the Beatles

Quart

Simon H Dora

10 February 2015

José Cura, the Argentine opera singer performs in a pop music concert on 21 February at the Papp Laszlo Budapest Sports Arena with Andrea Mahó.

Cura, after dramatic roles on the opera stage, welcomes the chance to take part in such a concert. “I’m going to sing good music, but especially the more popular classical music. In fact, there is good music and bad music, the rest is just snobbery. There are some popular songs that are already classics. In the concert I will sing songs that are classic in the pop genre, like Yesterday, Let it Be, and Imagine by the Beatles. These are beautiful and immortal songs,” the Argentine said in reply to Origo’s question.

This is not the first time in our country before the February crossover concert. On Wednesday, 11 February, he performs as Otello on stage. “It is not interesting what I think of Hungary but how I feel for it. Here, I feel good. Here, I am among friends. It is a country where you do not come just for a performance, but also because here are my friends.”

On 3 May, Cura performs in Gyor with the Gyor Philharmonic in a concert of opera arias with Andrea Rost. He then travels to Poland where he will conduct Mahler’s Second Symphony.

Andrea Mahó said an old dream came true to go on stage with the world famous tenor. “I really like his work, which is cultivated in opera. I think a lot of people will want to see what he does on stage and then rejoice in the fact that opera is a great success again.”

“I arrived from a different genre, from musical and operettas, but I really like the classical singing style and that was the idea for doing the crossover concert, which will bring you close to both the classical genre and the pop and musical theatre genre,” said the actress at Monday’s press conference.

Visit José Cura's Official Web Site

Click on the photo.....

Leaving Budapest after such a beautiful concert last night that some people say it was one of the best ever since I come to Budapest! They exaggerate, of course, as I recall many great concerts here in the near past, but I understand why th[e]y say it: it is not so usual to see me on stage happy and relaxed, just enjoying the fact of doing music without secondary worries. And the reason is simple: I have rarely been surrounded by such amount of musicianship, talent, genius, all on one stage at the same time. The rock band, the conductor, the fabulous orchestra and my sweet stage partner, Andrea, all of them made for a great performance, backing up any and all of my actions with no fear. No matter if I was changing the "script" in the last minute to adapt to the "feeling" of the public, none of them doubted a second to react and follow.

Pure musical instinct as in the good old times of my stage life, when talent counted more than PR... I simply loved it! This concert, together with the 2 performances of Otello at the Hungarian State Opera last week, will stay in my memories as one of the most rewarding periods in a long time. Thanks to the Hungarian audience and a special thank you to the super Hungarian musicians! Hope to see you soon... LOVE!

From Andrea Mahó:

Thank you José Cura, who really lives up to its front man, is not only an excellent artist but also an exemplary, kind, direct man. And last but not least the fantastic audience! I love you!

A Magical Evening

SikerAdo

Kovács Noémi

22 February 2015

[Gist / Excerpts]

After disappointment with many high-concept star concerts, I was full of hope on Saturday with a ticket to the José Cura – Andrea Mahó concert in my hand.

Let’s be clear: I’m an opera fan. As a child I learned to sing opera, too, though with little success. But I notice mistakes, which often makes it very difficult to enjoy concerts. That’s a fact. And if anytime, anywhere I hear “Nessun dorma,” I break out in goose bumps. I do not know how many times it has brought tears to my eyes when a great tenor is available. But where do we find them today? I am here with a ticket in my hand which promises a music concert by the world’s fourth tenor, José Cura and waiting for the doors to open at the Papp Laszlo Budapest Sports Arena. The mixed feelings do not go away until I hear Andrea (Mahó) perfect, seasoned, tinkling soprano. I relax. There are few singers who are not only pretty but who can sing so confidently. Because the voice is right. The first chords of the big Phantom of the Opera aria, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber for Sarah Brightman, resound.

[…]
Then José Cura appears and surprise. Madonna: close your eyes and the Beatles and John Lennon sing all sorts of enchanting duets with Andrea Mahó and the heart fills…I am feeling pretty good as long as long as the boxer doesn’t get knocked out: "Nessun dorma." The Argentine opera singer easily enchants. The tears flow. And a fantastic, humorous personality is on display as well—once he talks about the key to leave the hotel, another he asks Andrea how many times she will change her clothes. He is like no one else. This is what I expected from the evening, wonderful moments that make you forget all of your troubles and problems.

Short Compilation

Interview

Interview

Budapest

February 2015

José Cura: “I feel young at heart”

www.fidelio.hu

Rita Szentgyörgyi

11 February 2015

Translated by Zsuzsanna Suba

Three Otello-performances at the Hungarian State Opera, one pop concert with Andrea Mahó in the Budapest Sports Arena in February, and a common aria recital with Andrea Rost and the Győr Philharmonic Orchestra in May: the Argentinian superstar overwhelms the Hungarian audience this year. INTERVIEW

- You think that the “fourth tenor label” is a bad cliché, yet, you follow in the three tenors’ footsteps by singing in a pop concert.

- There are two kinds of music for me: good one and bad one, regardless of whether it is pop, classical or crossover, although I cannot really understand the latter term. If we consider this, my every aria recital is a pop concert, because the opera arias of Puccini or Verdi were hits in their ages. My so-called “pop infection” goes back to the 60s. When I was young I sang Beatles songs in the streets of Rosario, but later too, when I moved from Argentina to Italy with my wife, it happened that I earned our living as a street musician.

- Your emblematic role is Otello for nearly twenty years; the performance of Torino conducted by Claudio Abbado accompanies your career since 1997. In 2013, you also undertook the roles of stage director and set designer in your own Otello production in Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. What has changed in your idea about this work of Verdi over the years?

- Otello is neither a hero nor a noble. From the beginning I played the role in this deglorified perception, which was not liked by many people while others liked it. My Otello is rather based on the text of Shakespeare and Boito than solely on the greatness of the tenor hero. In my twenties I still had to imagine that murderous passion, jealousy, what a middle-aged man feels. By now, in my fifties I have the maturity not to eat from my imagination, but to eat from my own experiences. Although I feel young at heart, in the morning when I wake up, certainly my knees and my shoulder hurt here and there. These personal experiences are important to understand Otello’s personality from inside together with his own physical rhythm.

- In your capacity as a conductor, director, set designer you are dealing in a complex way with the opera and the musical genre. Today, do you have more pleasure in working with an orchestra than in singing?

- Each of them means a completely different kind of challenge. Singing, let’s say, is a personal matter, a singer must take responsibility for himself, for his own physical, mental, spiritual condition on that evening. I am singing mostly due to making contacts with the public for nearly thirty years now. In contrast to this, the conductor's work means greater responsibility, a total attunement to the orchestra, the singers and the whole creative team. If you make a mistake, the others suffer because of you, or if you are in good shape, you can inspire them.

- How much do you make a point of promoting the forgotten or little-known Argentine songwriters?

- Whenever I can, I try to move as the musical and cultural ambassador of my country, Argentina in the world. I used to hold classical chamber music evenings. At the concert in the Budapest Sports Arena I will sing one of the songs of the legendary Mexican musician, Armando Manzanero.

- What is true from the fact that you would be happy to play roles written in prose even in a movie?

- I'm a big movie fan, mostly French art movies and English auteur cinemas are close to me. But I don’t like action movies which are operating with special effects. Really I would be happy to undertake acting for a European art movie, but I have not met such a director yet who would think in me. And anyway, I am of the view that it does not matter if you die fondling an unrealized dream, because at least it keeps you young in your life.


Eternal Flame José Cura Bp. Aréna, Budapest 2015-02-21

*Como yo te amé* José Cura Bp. Aréna, Budapest 2015-02-21

Tonight (West Side Story) José Cura & Andrea Mahó, Bp. Aréna, Budapest 2015-02-21

*Time to Say Goodbye* Andrea Mahó & José Cura Bp. Aréna, Budapest 2015-02-21

*Let It Be* José Cura Bp. Aréna, Budapest 2015-02-21

*Tell Me* Andrea Mahó & José Cura Bp. Aréna, Budapest 2015-02-21

*Yesterday* Andrea Mahó & José Cura Bp. Aréna, Budapest 2015-02-21

*Concert End Jam Session* Andrea Mahó - José Cura Bp. Aréna, Budapest 2015-02-21

Nessun dorma José Cura Bp. Aréna, Budapest 2015-02-21

Night of Pure Joy

(and we are purely envious!)

Thanks so much to Zsuzsanna!

José Cura in Budapest

www.funzine.hu

12 February 2015

On 21 February, the Argentinean opera legend José Cura, also known as ’the fourth tenor’ is performing with actress and singer Andrea Mahó in a major crossover concert at Budapest Arena. Their guest performer will be Zoltán Miller. Prior to the show, the famous tenor answered a few questions regarding this event and his upcoming projects.

This is not your first time in Hungary. How are you preparing for this particular show?

Even though I will be performing Othello (one of the toughest operas of my repertoire) at the Budapest Opera 10 days before my concert with Miss Mahó, the preparation for a pop concert is very different: it is challenging and refreshing at the same time.

You are not only an opera singer but a conductor, and we also know that sometimes you finish your concerts with Argentinean folk songs. How much do these additional features define you as a musician?

Define? We are so used to defining everything in an effort to keep things under control, that we shut the door on what we cannot classify. I sing, I conduct, I direct or design, I write. For some, I am a ‘Holistic, Renaissance man’, for others, a ’Jack of all trades’. We tend to define people according to our personal degree of fulfilment or frustration, rather than according to the quality of what such people can offer to us.

How much do you know about your partner Andrea Mahó, who performs with you at Budapest Arena this time? What are your impressions of her as an artist?

I have heard only nice things about this talented young lady, so I am eager to meet her and do music with her.

What can we know about this particular concert programme and your cooperation with Andrea?

We will present some of the most well-known ’pop classics’ either in solo interpretations or as a duo.

What is your next project after this?

After my concert with Miss Mahó, I’m moving on to Prague for another Othello performance. In March I’m joining a Carmen production at La Scala. I’m not staying away from Hungary very long, though. I’m returning soon to perform with Andrea Rost in Győr, on 3 April.

(Top photo by Zoe Cura)

Interview with José Cura, the world renowned opera singer

otvenentul.hu

Zoltán Huszti

18 February 2015

Translated by Zsuzsanna Suba

On 21st February we can see Andrea Mahó and one of the best opera singers of the world in a concert in the Budapest Arena!

-       How did come the idea to sing together? – we asked Andrea Mahó.

-       It was my old, youthful dream. I really like his work. Lots of people should see what he did with opera. I arrive from another genre, the world of operetta and musicals, but I really like the style of classical singing and classical music. My manager knew about my dream. He mentioned it somewhere where they said: what if my dream would be realized? Then they made contacted with his management and it was easy to get to the point where the idea was accepted. Of course, he saw my autobiography and he got materials about me. I thought that we would do a crossover concert, which would take the classical, pop and musical genres to each other. It was a common understanding of what should be in the program. Everyone brings those songs that are close to his/her heart. There will be duets, well-known worldwide hits. These cases show us that the music is unified. The program contains a lot of new songs that I did not sing previously. One thing is important, that the audiences enjoy themselves. Our duets will be international hits, pop music, musicals, the mixing of styles with the accompaniment of a symphonic orchestra.

-       Did you hear Andrea singing before? - we asked José Cura.

-       No. My first question was, when I heard about this, who was this young girl. I live in Spain, and of course I do not know the Hungarian singers. And I did not even know what “crossover” meant, I did not know this term. For me, there are good music and bad music. If something is good, it doesn’t matter if it is pop, rock or opera. I also know bad opera. Because something is classical, it is not necessarily good.

-       What kind of music do you listen to?

-       When I'm not working, I do not listen to music. I hate that when I go to a restaurant or a shop, or I get in the elevator of the hotel, there is background music everywhere. There is no silence anywhere. If I listen to music sometimes, then it is Bach.

-       Let's talk about your life, your career. What kind of kid you were?

-       Uh-oh, it was already almost half a century ago. My mom says I was a very temperamental child, a leading personality, but I do not dare to confirm this, because every mother thinks that her child is special.

-       When did you start to deal with music, and did you want to do this, or was it required?

-       I started playing the piano when I was seven years old, but a few months later, my teacher said that he did not see in me the interest in music, and it would be better to find another hobby for me

-        How old you were when it turned out that your voice is much better than the average?

-    Then I was twenty-one.

-    Do you remember your debut?

-       As a professional singer I got a small role in 1984, but as a musician and as a conductor I already performed in an outdoor concert in my city in 1978

-       If you were not a musician, what will you deal with today?

-       I have no idea. In other hand, I am sure that somehow I definitely would be a happy man. I'm an optimistic fighter.

-       How much do you need to practice in order to stay at the forefront?

-       The most as is essential, but as little as possible ... I mean that too much exercise is just as bad as doing too little. The preparation is necessary not only physically, but also mentally. And these are equally important

-        What would be your advice to the younger generation?

-        "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken, " as Oscar Wilde said.

-       The one who sits in the audience says that he/her has fun. After all these years, what does it mean for you to stand on the stage or on the concert podium? Is it fun, work, or a way of life

-       My work is not my life. My life is my family and my friends. But I will say I'm a lucky guy who earns a living by what he likes

-        The practice on the opera stage is that they sing Puccini in Italian, Wagner in German, Rimsky-Korsakov's in Russian and Bartók in Hungarian. Is it easy to do?

-       It is difficult, but it is not impossible. I do not take roles in languages I do not speak fluently and can only repeat the words like a parrot. I speak four languages, so in that sense I'm lucky, otherwise my repertoire would be very narrow. Consistently I sing such operas, which was written in these languages.

-        Your home, family and private life are in one scale, and the tours, the foreign cities and hotels are in the other scale. How do you keep this balanced

-       My family receives absolute priority. The scales tip in the personal side’s favor. I’ve never missed a family meeting because of my job. Maybe that's why I live in a happy marriage for thirty years and I have three wonderful kids

-       If you're not on tour, what are you doing?

-       If I am not travelling, I am at home. Although the work never stops, but the home is home

-       What do you do in your spare time? How much do you detach yourself from music

-       First, you should determine what spare time means. It is inactivity? A waste of time? Vacation or just free work? Personally, I try not to waste my time doing nothing. I've learned one thing during 52 years: all unused minutes are lost forever. Looking back, I'm proud of what I achieved, and I'm not worrying so much about those many things that I still would like to achieve

-       What was your desire at the starting point of your career, what was realized from it, and what would you like to achieve in any case?

-       I’ve never evaluated my life in the point of view of my desire or achievements. I’ve never wanted to be the "number one", because I think it's a stupid cliché. Nobody can be the first one. There always will be someone who is better for the others. I always struggled for being as good as I can be. To hear that you're not as good as someone else, is just one aspect, but to hear that you're not as good as what you can be, it is really disappointing

-       If you have won ten million dollars in 1994, how would your career develop?

-       If you ask me about 1990, I would say: I do not know. But in 1994, I have already been struggling to survive in the dirty world of show business. So if I have been ten million dollars, probably I give up the struggle. I could not have done any better

-        Your voice is one of the best in the world. I guess you also know that many young singers look at you as an idol singer. What is it like for you?

-       Idolatry is a negative feeling. I prefer to call this as admiration or rather as a respect. If my example is addressed not only to an artist, but also to the people who achieved this success starting from below, this can be a good model for young people, and I would proud of this

Hungarian singer will perform with a World Star

Kultúrpart

27 January 2015

Translated by Zsuzsanna Suba

José Cura, the world-renowned opera singer is tied with a special relationship to Hungary. Soon he will show his new side for the Hungarian audience in his crossover show he will give together with Andrea Maho. They both talked about the upcoming concert.

The career of Andrea Mahó, an eMeRTon - and Artisijus-winning actress, singer rose with unbroken success into the known and respected singers since the beginning. Her voice, personality, and sophisticated style and stage presence give determining experience for her fans. During her career the public could see her already in the main roles of such musical hits as The Phantom of the Opera, Romeo and Juliet, Les Miserables or Aida.

The highlighted performer of the concert of February is the world-famous Argentine opera singer, "the tenor star of the 21st century", the versatile Jose Cura, who is a composer, conductor, actor and teacher, photographer and businessman as well. Referring to the trio of Plácido Domingo, José Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti, he is often labeled as "the fourth tenor" too; he is the owner of countless awards.

You came to Hungary in 2000 at the first time. Over the past fourteen years, you returned countless times. What does this close bond come from?

Since the legendary concert of 2000 held in the Erkel Theatre, I feel that I tied with a special relationship to Hungary. Then and there we were attuned to each other in an instant. It was wonderful. I can proudly tell you that I am an honorary citizen of Veszprem ... not to mention my regular common work with Salva Vita Foundation.

You already gave countless concerts in Hungary. There are lots of the experiences, memories. Do you have a favorite one among them?

I only have favorites! I guess I can't point out a single moment, each musical experience gained here means a special one for me. But perhaps there is a memory which is particularly close to my heart. I once spent an entire afternoon with the proteges of Salva Vita Foundation. We did nothing else than just talked and laughed. Such moments really awaken how lucky you, in fact, are.

What can we expect from the common concert with Andrea Maho? Would you share same backstage secrets with us?

I think it would be premature to talk about backstage secrets, because we are only at the beginning of the work yet. I can tell you that not my usually repertoire will be heard by the audience. I'm not going to sing opera, but pop songs and duets with Andrea Maho.

How did you find each other with Andrea Maho? What do you think your common work will be like?

It is still to be the first major encounter with the talented young lady - so in a sense, we have not really found each other yet. But let joking aside. Andrea Maho's management made contact with me all at once, whether I would participate in the show as a guest. Of course, I gladly accepted the invitation. We'll see about the rest.

The public knows you primarily as a tenor worldwide. Besides this, you are a conductor and also a composer. Though these "roles" are built on each other, yet: for which one can it be said that it is the most important for you?

I used to say that my vocation is that I am a conductor; my profession is that I am a singer. I love to sing, and I'm grateful for all that my singing has brought into my life. But when I conduct, I can transform in such an extent that a lot of people say I'm a better conductor than a singer. I've already conducted several great concerts with Hungarian musicians. I hope I will have plenty of opportunities.

One day, you are in one of the world's most famous opera stages and concert halls and on the next day there is something completely different; a crossover concert in a stadium. How can you switch from one situation to another?

You do not need to change. If you honestly do your job, you can perform with the same quality in every situation. Nothing is more important than calmness. People often ask me what my favorite hobby is. I always say that "my favorite one is what I am doing that day..."

How did the common work start with José Cura?

Danubius music’s executives, Gábor Guba and Zsolt Borsányi asked me to do the concert. There was no question that I said yes.

What do you to expect, how it will be working with a world star?

I’m sure I count on quality and professionalism; I think it will be a great concert. He is a very flexible and extremely talented artist whom I think it will be a great pleasure to work with.

After the stage of the theatre, there is the stage of a Sports Arena: a totally different medium, different space, different atmosphere. How do you prepare yourself for that?

Indeed, there is a big difference, since I already sang in the Arena I experienced how that milieu is like. I sing and practice a lot, and the music rehearsals and creative work have already started with the concert’s music supervisor, Peter Pejtsik, whom I highly respect in the business.

According to the description of the event we will see a large crossover concert. Will we meet with your new face or new voice now?

The sound is the old one and the style is new in any case, which I hope will gain everybody’s pleasure. I like to hike a bit among different styles and I found a worthy partner in such a world-class star as José Cura is.

You started with musicals and you already sang the most difficult roles, you are familiar with the genre of operetta as well, and now you will sing with one of the greatest figures of the opera world. What will happen next? What are your plans?

I always have plans, I do not like to stand in one place, it is important to go ahead, I like challenges, I like the new one ... ..by the way .. new songs and a new album: it is now the most dominant among my closer plans.

Such a large-winded concert is usually preceded with a very intense and focused rehearsing period. Will you have time for resting after that?

That's right. Total concentration is requested for such a performance. After a so stressful period rest is very much needed, because in such a way I can start further works with renewed power. I would like to travel to the coast in early spring. I love the water and the sun.

José Cura conquered audience of the Sports Arena

hetedhethatar.hu

István Szarvas

25. February 2015.

Translated by Zsuzsanna Suba

For those who were present at the concert of Andrea Mahó, José Cura and their guest, Zoltán Miller had been a special experience on 21st February Sports Arena of Budapest.

Andrea Mahó and José Cura in the concert of Budapest.

(MTI Photo: Zsolt Szigetváry)

Andrea Mahó started the evening with the intention to break down the walls among genres which actually did take place as well. The two Hungarian artists are at home primarily in musicals, and they proved this again with their great productions. José Cura’s main field is classical music and within this performing, from which he undertook a trip for the first time in such a manner and extent harvesting complete success. They sang both separately and in duets, and there was a time when all the three of them sang together. The program consisted of well-known parts of such musicals as "Phantom of the Opera," West Side Story" "Miss Saigon," but they performed Beatles songs, too, declaring them to be classics. Andrea Mahó sang folk song together with the invited children’s choir and an Ave Maria, while José Cura performed Spanish songs, too. He also sang Calaf’s aria, "Nessun dorma" from Turandot giving a taste of his own genre.

The artists gave their best, but the night served with other special experiences too, which was fed by the fact that José Cura greatly enjoyed himself in the world of this the lighter genre. He toured and dominated the stage with a microphone in his hands; walking among the rows of the orchestra while he wondered on the musicians’ performance and held the microphone to them emphasizing the individual achievements, which he acknowledged with applause, and so did the audience. Cura also grabbed the guitar and brought the orchestra under his control in such a way that the conductor joined the musicians, too. Of course, Zoltán Miller also joined the orchestra. So the last part of the concert switched into a jam session coloured by Andrea’s greetings, who celebrated her birthday on that day

The Hungarian artists showed great respect towards Cura, who in turn took part in the joint realization of the concert with humility, sharing the success with all participants. In addition to the excellent and particular productions, the audience could enjoy Cura’s humor, polite gestures, directness and the charisma of his impressive personality. His special qualities made it possible that it seemed for the audience as if he was an old friend of Andrea, even though this was their first common show. Of course Andrea also contributed to this, with that enthusiasm and glamorous femininity, which radiated from her.

We will never know how much was the improvisation, and how much of the elements were directed in advance, but it is certain that spontaneity also had a major role in it with Cura’s conducting, which gave the real curiosity of the evening. The members of the Hungarian Studio Orchestra were worthy partners to the excellent singers.

In the line of the appreciative words we should not forget about that praise which entitles the editing of the program, the rates and the whole staging of the concert. Thus José Cura conquered the audience, as well as the experience of the evening would long remain in the participants. One of the favorites quotes of José Cura from his Anhelo album is: "If my art succeeds in planting the seed of peace within man’s heart so that it may grow there, then my life will have had some meaning.”

Heaven and Earth with Andrea Mahó and José Cura

Vivalamusical

Kristóf Rechtenwald

25 February 2015

Translated by Zsuzsanna Suba

It was quite an experience for those thousands of people who visited Budapest Sports Arena on the evening of 21^st February. Andrea Mahó and José Cura presented the audience with a professional concert in its every element. The beautiful Hungarian soprano stated right at the beginning of the concert: she invites the audience to an exciting journey among nations and genres. And you didn’t have to be disappointed in this. The Hungarian Studio Orchestra accompanied the artists adding a fantastic musical background to the evening.

The concept of the concert was basically centered on the ever changing relationship of Man and Woman. Does an eternal love exist? What are the forms of this overwhelming emotion like? There is attraction and repulsion. We think of rekindling, flying together, cheating, divorce, loneliness. Is it possible to have a sincere friendship between Man and Woman? And what is the role of a Man and a Woman in a friendship? Is such a relationship free from the vibration? Andrea Mahó and José Cura were looking for the answers to these questions and Zoltán Miller also did it entering the stage as a guest for two songs.

Andrea Mahó already has shown in the opening song that the extent of her singing voice is as unpredictable as the peaks of Himalayan Mountain which was projected on the huge screen. After the initial "warm-up", the Phantom duet with Zoltán Miller from the famous Webber musical exploded almost like a bomb. The orchestra produced a fearfully sound of hard rock and accelerated tempo, we enjoyed a shivering acting performance of Zoltán Miller bringing life to the phantom and a beautiful soprano voice soaring to the skies of Andrea Mahó. This song proved that love could be born also from repulsion even if not in its common sense. In addition to this, the actress performed a much lighter song also with Zoltán Miller. Amigos Para Siempre is a song about friendship between Man and Woman, which bound is not less sincere than love, and which is not necessarily lacks vibration, the deep reverence of a Man to a Woman. Merely they just can’t go beyond a certain bound. Andrea Mahó and Zoltán Miller conveyed this dance walking on a very thin boundary with very delicate gestures.

Following this, the other protagonist of the night, also cited as the fourth tenor, the Argentine-born José Cura stepped to the stage. It was amazing to see that there is such an artist who has versatile abilities among the opera singers who are often imagined as stiff performers. This time José Cura showed the Hungarian audience how the popular music of our time could be interpreted by an opera singer who basically possesses classical musical education. Cura beautifully sang not only Puccini’s Nessun Dorma, but he picked up his guitar with great confidence to evoke the lyric songs of Beatles. The songs of Yesterday and Imagine brought tears to the eyes of many people. The same happened with the duet, the song of Tonight from West Side Story he sang with Andrea Mahó. Really touching was Lucio Dalla’s poignant hit, Caruso in the solo performance of the actress too. As it was the case with the song “Wait” composed directly to Andrea Mahó with Gyöngyi Papp’s text and György Derzsi’s melody. Meanwhile an artistic clip – which can be viewed here - was also displayed on the projector.

It was one of the most moving moments of the evening, when a huge army of children proceeded to the stage towards the end of the concert, and a little boy sang the prayer Pie Jesu with Andrea Mahó. This wasn’t the only religious-themed song: Ave Maria was sung by her in its entire highness even in the first half of the concert like the greetings of angels - as the actress mentioned. We also got to know at the end of the concert, that she celebrated her birthday that day, so the greeting could not be missed. And, of course, the encore song came, despite of the fact that only minute earlier, José Cura pulled the cable from his guitar and carried the instrument on his shoulder while he left the stage - of course he did all this for the sake of the show, because the humor was also a constant guest during the evening. Those who have been there were not disappointed. You could see smiling people leaving the concert, older and younger ones equally who had one similar thing for sure: each of them had been in love once, so they all could feel what this unforgettable compilation was about.

Mahó, Cura, Miller – The Concert of Faith

Special Crossover Concert in the Sports Arena

www.prae.hu

Agi Jónás

10 March 2015

Translated by Zsuzsanna Suba

We enjoyed a concert that guided the audience until the end on a musical journey with the passage among musical genres, during which the public got insight into the many styles of the musical world.

The whole event was characterized by professionalism and the highest standards regarding to the content, musical genres, the participating artists, as well as the directing of the show. The transition among the genres was provided by traditional classical music and lighter-style songs.

Andrea Mahó stepped to the stage first with the song “Who wants to live forever” by the world-renowned ensemble, Queen. “”This concert is focused on the relationship of man and woman, which is sometimes passionate or painful, but this just makes it so wonderful,” Andrea Mahó said at the beginning of the concert, and then she called one of the star guests of the evening, her old friend and colleague, the eMeRTon-winning actor-singer Zoltán Miller to the stage beside her.

The charismatic artist—who is known to have a preference for taking adventures in the worlds of musical, operetta and pop music—increased the atmosphere of the concert as the Phantom with Andrea performing a musical portion from the Phantom of the Opera. We heard his effortless, correct, clear notes, his mature and passionate performance style and singing.

Soon the other star guest of the night, José Cura, appeared. His voice rang out first in a solo, Eternal Flames, a song by the Bangles [sung] with a funny English accent and then he sang in duet with Andrea Mahó the well-known song “Tonight” from West Side Story. The Argentine opera singer—who became an icon as the “fourth tenor”—proved his directness and professionalism within the very first minutes.

The Hungarian Studio Orchestra provided the fantastic musical background; the Maestro expressed his opinion about their members and musical skills in superlatives during the evening. The songs where were sung on Cura’s voice won new interpretations; in his performance these songs were put in a different light than those which we already experienced in previous versions.

“We are living in a tough world, every day lots of people die because of senseless struggles of power. We hope a better world will come, so let’s speak of the song of hope now,” said the artist about the song “Somewhere,” the pearl of West Side Story. Fortunately, Cura also sang three songs in Spanish, in his own language, during the evening: thus he brought that specific, genuine southern temperament to Hungary, lifting the audience out of the Hungarians typical pessimistic attitude.

Cura lived on the stage with a guitar and for some minutes with a drum, too, when he later performed three “classic” songs as he called them: “Yesterday,” “Let it be,” and “Imagine” from the Beatles and John Lennon.

With “Nessun dorma,” the audience finally received that for which José Cura is mentioned as the one who revolutionized the opera genre. His performance was easy, relaxed, and free from any mannerism, and what is more important: he made the opera genre edible and enjoyable for everyone.

Mahó and Cura created a dialogue not only with each other: the songs which were performed in duets and solos played a question and answer session with a transcendental power standing above us and with the audience, too. Andrea’s lace evening dresses of red, black and white were in perfect harmony with the atmosphere of the evening, matching to the “depth-height, earthly-heavenly, passion-suffering, yin-yang” concept of the evening. The production was made even more powerful by a huge screen while its elegance and quality was increased by the dance of Attila Fützi and Eszter Németh.

Otherwise we heard many songs which were worthy of a great concert: Barátok, amíg élünk (Friends as long as we live); Hijo de la Luna; Phantom of the opera – The Phantom; Ave Maria, Porgy and Bess - Summertime; Tell me; Caruso; Pie Jesu (Webber); Time to say goodbye.

Andrea Mahó pleased the audience with the song “Wait,” dedicated to her—written by Gyöngyi Papp and György Derzsi—which was a tense, rock-based, slightly sweet musical number.

The performance of “Pie Jesu” (Webber) with the contribution of the children’s choirs of Ilona Andor Singing-Music Primary School and the Elementary Art School of Baptists also exemplified the good neighbor relationship between folklore and opera—which are seemingly distant from each other.

There is something sweetly deceptive in Andrea Mahó: she simultaneously carries Audrey Hepburn’s girlishly honest charm and her sincere, almost childlike enthusiasm she showed with her profession, colleagues, and especially Cura’s professionalism; however, she hides inside a phoenix who sings with an adult, mature, world-class female voice as well. They could have sung anything but it would not have emerged as the catharsis as that which succeeded in the Sports Arena without Mahó’s charisma, the stage routine and Cura’s sense of humor, visceral easiness and professionalism.

Cura and the conductor Peter Pejtsik said good-bye to the audience with a guitar and a cello in their hands and in the frame of a jam session.

The Mahó-Cura-Miller Crossover evening—the Concert of Faith as Cura called it—was spent in the spirit of internationality and multilingualism, passion and love, which--even if for a brief hour and a half—noticeably made the audience think and dislocated the public from their apathetic, self-centered view of life.