Young Voices to Fill Huesca Cathedral in Crescendo Recital
Huesca, Spain, is set to host a captivating evening of operatic artistry on February 25th, as the Catedral de Huesca welcomes “Crescendo – Jóvenes Talentos del Teatro Real” (Crescendo – Young Talents of the Teatro Real). This recital, featuring emerging vocalists from the Teatro Real’s Crescendo program, promises a showcase of both established and rising stars within the world of opera and zarzuela. The event is part of the larger Tour del Talento Huesca, an initiative designed to foster young talent across various disciplines. Admission to the recital is free, but seating will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring a broad audience can experience this exceptional musical event.
The Crescendo program, launched in 2021 by the Fundación Amigos del Teatro Real and the Teatro Real itself, is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of operatic performers. It provides a crucial stepping stone for young singers, pianists, and stage managers under the age of 35, offering workshops, masterclasses, and professional opportunities that complement their academic training. To date, over 100 artists representing 20 nationalities have participated in the program, receiving invaluable support as they launch their careers. The program is supported by Fonds de Dotation Porosus, the Fundación Banco Sabadell, and Mitsubishi Electric, alongside contributions from the Asociación de Guitarra Clásica Ángel G. Piñero, the Asociación Wagneriana de Madrid, and the Fundación Victoria de los Ángeles.
This particular performance in Huesca will feature four exceptionally talented young singers: soprano Rosa Gomariz, mezzo-soprano Alejandra Acuña, tenor Pepe Hannah, and baritone Alejandro von Büren. They will be accompanied by Gonzalo Villarruel on piano. The program will span a diverse repertoire of celebrated works from the operatic canon, including pieces by composers such as Franz Liszt, Giacomo Puccini, Camille Saint-Saëns, Jacques Offenbach, Gaetano Donizetti, Giuseppe Verdi, Georges Bizet, Léo Delibes, Antonín Dvořák, Federico Moreno Torroba, José Serrano, and Franz Lehár.
A Program of Iconic Arias and Duets
Audiences can anticipate a selection of beloved arias and duets, including “O mio bambino caro” from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, “Una furtiva lagrima” from Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, and “Parigi, o cara” from Verdi’s La Traviata. The recital will too feature “Au fond du temple saint” from Bizet’s Les Pêcheurs de Perles, the enchanting “Dúo de las flores” from Delibes’ Lakmé, and will culminate with a performance of “Lippen schweigen” from Lehár’s La viuda alegre (The Merry Widow), showcasing the combined talents of all the participating artists. The selection of pieces demonstrates the breadth and beauty of both Italian opera and Spanish zarzuela.
The choice of the Catedral de Huesca as the venue is particularly significant. The cathedral’s remarkable acoustics and architectural grandeur are expected to enhance the emotional impact of the performance, creating a truly memorable experience for attendees. The cathedral, a historical landmark in the city, provides a stunning backdrop for these rising stars to display their artistry.
Tour del Talento Huesca: Investing in the Future
The recital is being held as part of the Tour del Talento Huesca, a broader initiative organized by the Fundación Princesa de Girona, with the Ayuntamiento de Huesca (Huesca City Council) and the Fundación Ibercaja serving as local co-organizers. The Tour del Talento Huesca aims to be a catalyst for youth development, providing opportunities in culture, entrepreneurship, innovation, and professional growth. According to the Fundación Princesa de Girona, the tour seeks to connect institutions, businesses, and the next generation of leaders. The Fundación Princesa de Girona was founded in 2007 by Felipe, Prince of Asturias (now King Felipe VI of Spain), to promote talent and entrepreneurship among young people.
The Tour del Talento Huesca isn’t solely focused on the arts. It encompasses a series of formative activities, meetings, conferences, and cultural proposals specifically designed for young people. The inclusion of a high-caliber artistic event like the Crescendo recital underscores the Tour’s commitment to recognizing culture as a vital engine for personal and collective growth. The initiative reflects a broader trend of investing in youth development as a key strategy for economic and social progress.
The presence of Queen Letizia at the central event of the Tour del Talento Huesca, as reported by Diario del Alto Aragón, further highlights the importance placed on this initiative at a national level. The Queen’s attendance signifies royal support for the program’s goals of fostering talent and opportunity for young Spaniards.
Crescendo: A Launchpad for Operatic Careers
The Crescendo program itself is more than just a series of performances. it’s a comprehensive development program. Participants receive not only artistic training but also guidance on navigating the challenges of a demanding professional career in the performing arts. This includes workshops on public image, career management, and the practicalities of auditioning and securing engagements. The program actively seeks to create real-world employment opportunities for its participants, including performances with the Teatro Real itself and touring productions. The Teatro Real’s commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in its ongoing investment in programs like Crescendo.
The success of Crescendo is measured not only by the quality of its performances but also by the career trajectories of its alumni. With over 100 artists from 20 different countries having participated since its inception, the program has established a growing network of emerging operatic talent. The program’s emphasis on international collaboration reflects the increasingly global nature of the operatic world.
The recital in Huesca offers a unique opportunity for local audiences to witness the talent fostered by the Crescendo program firsthand. It’s a chance to support the next generation of operatic stars and to experience the power of music in a stunning historical setting. The free admission policy ensures that the performance is accessible to a wide range of community members, fostering a greater appreciation for the arts.
As the Tour del Talento Huesca continues throughout February, it promises to bring further opportunities for engagement and inspiration to the city. The Crescendo recital on February 25th represents a highlight of the program, showcasing the remarkable potential of young artists and the importance of investing in the future of the performing arts. Further details about the Tour del Talento Huesca and upcoming events can be found on the official website: Tour del Talento Huesca.
The next step for these young artists will be continued participation in the Crescendo program, with opportunities for further performances and professional development throughout the year. The Teatro Real will announce its upcoming season schedule in May, which may include additional performances featuring Crescendo participants.
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