Last night opera legend Jose Carreras and musical star Sarah
Brightman gave a charity concert at Bolshoi Theatre. The proceeds
from ticket sales will go on the reconstruction of the theatre. The day
before tireless Carreras made it to answer our questions and to take
part in a bustling high life party - the opening of a jewelry boutique,
which, in fact, organized his visit.
First of all the tenor mentioned what a honor it is for any artist to
sing on the Bolshoi stage. Then he right away stressed that he would sing
without a micorophone (not failing to draw a parallel between himself
and Sarah Brightman, who, he says, would probably not mind using one).
JC - A few days ago Sarah and I were in Tokyo. She is in very good form.
Where our concert is concerned, you must understand, that although Sarah
Brightman's repertoire includes classical music, we are different
artists. At the Bolshoi theatre I will sing without microphone, otherwise it
would be an insult to such a renowned stage. Sarah will appear in the
second part, and since her repertoire is intended for microphone, she will most
likely use it. The third part will be more entertaining: together. We will sing
fragments from well-known musicals.
Why do you not sing arias of Russian composers at the Bolshoi?
JC - I love Russian music very much. And, believe me, if I spoke Russian
properly, I would sing Lenski's aria tomorrow. But all I know is
"kuda-kuda"* and "Olga". Maybe some day I will arm myself with
patience and learn the Russian language.
To our question if he would like to perform together with his famous
compatriot Julio Iglesias, Mr. Carreras at once answered in the
affirmative: "Oh, yes, he is such a wonderful singer!" But he made a
reservation: "Iglesias is a fan of Real Madrid, and I support
Barcelona... But we will settle this question, I think."
* The beginning of Lenski's aria from "Eugen Onegin" by Peter I.
Tchaikovsky. "Where, oh, where have you gone, golden days of my youth?".
