Jose Carreras
At the end of January 2009 the Wellington Orchestra played with Jose Carreras at Elephant Hill winery in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.
It’s not often that we get musical superstars in New Zealand, so it was always going to be a privilege to work with Jose Carreras.
Mr Carreras was straightforward at rehearsal and kept the orchestra guessing as to what his performance voice and style would be. So come the concert, it was both unsurprising and astounding to hear him reveal his full musicianship – the creamy colour of his voice, the glorious power on tap and the exquisite poise and structure of his phrasing.
Sitting in the concertmaster’s chair, I had the great fortune to experience Jose Carreras from the best seat in the… well, vineyard.
This was remarkable artistry which will always stay with me.
