About Event
The Institut Français in the UAE presents another programme of cultural exchange with two of today’s star performers: Rolando Villazón and Xavier de Maistre. Due to the cultural diversity of...
Oct 18, 2021
Xavier Demaistre and Rolando Villazon concert – Abu Dhabi Classics
Due to the cultural diversity of Latin America, a mix of indigenous, European and African influences, it has one of the richest Lied (German song) repertoires of the world. An abundance of variety in rhythm, melody and narrative forms comes together, and this is reflected in this concert programme by Mexican tenor Rolando Villazón, accompanied by French harpist Xavier de Maistre.
Serenata Latina is a collage of sounds, where the shapes of these Latin American songs come to life in their sensual emotional essence. Deep longing, pain, melancholy, desire and loss dominate the palette of this heartfelt recording, which is also accompanied by vigorous life-affirming dance-like pieces.
Covid Protocol : PCR test 48h
Rolando Villazon – Biography
Franco-Mexican opera singer Rolando Villazón began his musical studies at the national conservatory in Mexico before joining the junior program at the Pittsburgh Opera and the San Francisco Opera. Rolando Villazón quickly made a name for himself on the international music scene after winning several prizes at the Operalia de Plácido Domingo competition in 1999 (including the Zarzuela Prize and the Audience Prize). He made his European debut as Des Grieux in Manon in Genoa by Massenet and debuted as Alfredo in La Traviata at the Paris Opera and as Macduff in Verdi’s Macbeth at Staatsoper Berlin.
Xavier de Maistre – Biography
Xavier de Maistre belongs to an elite category of soloists who redefine the possibilities and the potentials of their musical instruments. Besides commissions from composers such as Kaija Saariaho, he performs works such as Ma Vlast by Smetana with breathtaking precision, presenting arrangements of works that are usually performed by an entire orchestra. The interpretation of these works, which few harpists before him considered playing, contributed to his reputation as one of the most creative and extraordinary musicians of his generation.