A fabulous concert, with an orchestra at its best and a wonderful sound, at the level of the best European orchestras, which I heard playing Music by Strauss and opera overtures took us to the New Year's concerts in Vienna, Austria!
As for tenor Jonathan Tetelman, the star of the night full of expectations, which led to sold-out tickets, although there were many empty seats, was the big revelation.
Starting with Verdi’s aria “Questa o quella,” the lyric tenor’s voice warmed up until he began to sing arias more appropriate to a lyric-spinto tenor, by Mascagni, Bizet, and Donizetti. In “Una furtiva lágrima,” an aria written for a light tenor, Jonathan sang with notable dramatic flair. He continued with works by Giordano, Ponchielli, and Puccini (for whom he has recorded albums), followed by another famous aria from the Zarzuela repertoire, “No puede ser”—often sung by Plácido Domingo. The program ended with the audience giving a vibrant standing ovation, leading to several encores. With Puccini’s very difficult aria “Nessun dorma,” he revealed himself through spectacular high notes, delivering a perfectly placed natural B whose projection and tuning sent shivers through the entire hall.
This 36-year-old tenor, born in Chile and adopted in the USA, shows great promise as a dramatic tenor, with a timbre that continues to mature as expected. With a brilliant career already underway, he has sung in several European theaters and has a second appearance planned at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He also received the Opus Klassik Award for “Young Artist of the Year 2023.”
Once again, the foundation presented concerts not only with piano but also with renowned singers—congratulations!
#Jonathan Tetelman#gulbenkian @gulbenkian
Thanks to: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian