Sir Bryn Terfel, the legendary bass-baritone, arrives for the first time in Mexico with the Sinfónica de Minería, in what promises to be the musical event of the year. musical event of the year.
The date is May 27 at 8 p.m. at the Nezahualcóyotl Concert Hall.
The Sinfónica de Minería will be under the guest baton of Roberto Kalb, with the Orchestra Chorus conducted by James Demster.
What will Sir Bryn Terfel sing at his concert in Mexico?
Sir Bryn Terfel, one of the world's great bass-baritones, will offer an impressive selection that ranges from opera German opera to traditional folk songs and a touch of Broadway. His participation stands out for the variety and depth of the characters he plays, bringing out the best of his powerful voice and stage presence.
In the first part, Terfel immerses himself in the world of Wagner with arias and scenes from “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” and “Die Walküre”, including iconic moments such as Wotan’s Wotan’s Farewell and the Music of the Magic Fire, which explore the themes of Norse mythology, fate, and redemption.
After the intermission, he takes on other iconic roles from the operatic repertoire: the demonic Mephistopheles in “Mefistofele” by Boito and the Machiavellian Scarpia in “Tosca” by Puccini, as well as the ironic character in “Le veau d’or” by Gounod—all of which demonstrate his ability to embody dark and complex characters.
The program takes on a lighter tone with the sparkle of Viennese operetta through the overture to "Die Fledermaus" by Johann Strauss II, and then moves into a more intimate set with traditional songs such as “Danny Boy”, “Ar hyd y nos” (a Welsh gem) and “Loch Lomond”, evoking the nostalgia and warmth of Celtic folk music.
To wrap things up, add a touch of musical theater with “If I Were a Rich Man” by Fiddler on the Roof, proving that he can effortlessly transition from the most serious operatic repertoire to the most endearing Broadway classics.
How does Sir Bryn Terfel feel about performing in Mexico for the first time?
Sir Bryn Terfel has not forgotten the bitter twist in his first attempt to make his debut in Mexico in 2024. in 2024. He remembers it with humor and resignation:
"An hour before the performance, I was sitting eating a quesadilla and almost choked when I was told that the concert at Bellas Artes would not take place."
Now, on the verge of his return, the enthusiasm is palpable:
"I'm excited and eager to meet the Mexican public."
Although this will be his first collaboration with the Sinfónica de Minería and maestro Roberto Kalb, Terfel says he is confident in the musical chemistry:
"We don't need to know each other beforehand. We go on stage prepared. I know the history of Minería and its collaborations with artists like Diana Damrau and Nadine Sierra. It will be an honor to join that list."
And how not to mention the culinary touch that garnished his failed visit:
"The guacamole I ate those days was very good for my voice. I hope to repeat the experience and that this time the concert does happen".
An eclectic and personal program
On the repertoire chosen for this reunion with the Mexican public, Terfel describes it as a kind of musical autobiography:
"It is a program that reflects my trajectory, a musical biography that has gone from Mozart to Strauss, Rossini, Donizetti, Schumann, Pfitzner, Brahms and Puccini. Looking back is a nostalgic exercise, but also a celebration of telling stories through music."
The structure of the recital is also designed to achieve a perfect balance between intensity and enjoyment:
"I always follow José Carreras' formula: eight pieces per half, with pauses and spoken moments giving about 45 minutes. It's one of the best timings for a concert."
Aware of the weight of both operatic excerpts and folk songs, he adds:
"The orchestra has its own challenge, and I choose pieces where we can both shine."
Musical origins and early influences
The love of music comes from afar, rooted in his native Wales, where the mix of opera and musicals marked his childhood:
"My first experience was at school, singing 'Libera me' from Gabriel Fauré's Requiem. His vocal style marked me deeply."
In addition, television played a formative role:
"I would watch Fiddler on the Roof with Chaim Topol on TV every Christmas. His charisma inspired me to want to be like him."
And of course, local greats sparked his passion:
"We grew up listening to giants like Geraint Evans and Gwyneth Jones, which sparked my interest in opera."
The Mozartian legacy
For Terfel, Mozart was the gateway to the professional world, and remains a mainstay in his career.and remains a mainstay in his career:
"When I started, Mozart was the call for young singers. In 1998 I sang my first Figaro in Hamburg, and that was the start of my European career."
His Mozartian repertoire is extensive and fundamental:
"Figaro, Masetto, Leporello, the Count, Guglielmo. At that time, I was young and unstoppable. Mozart was very comfortable for me. Papageno I missed; I hope I'm not too old to sing it someday."
And although time has passed, the relationship with Mozart continues:
"Next year, that's right, I'll do Don Alfonso. Mozart is an ongoing process."
The health of opera today
Despite the threats that have always haunted the opera world, Terfel sees signs of vitality:
"I just sang Tosca at the Met, and it sold out. There were a lot of young people in the theater, attracted by a magnificent Tosca as Sondra Radvanovsky."
The future, he says, is in good hands:
"Opera is in a good moment and will continue to be present."
"This generation has amazing singers: Nadine Sierra, for example, with whom I sang L'elisir d'amore in Vienna alongside Xabier Anduaga and Javier Camarena."
A global crisis in the arts
However, Terfel is no stranger to the plight of music in many parts of the world, starting with his own homeland:
"I don't want to open Pandora's box, but in Wales we are going through very difficult times: we are losing music programs in universities and schools, choirs are down to 20 members, and orchestras are struggling to survive the next few years."
And he insists on the need for action:
"Music is on its knees in many places, at least it is in Wales, but we have to fight. If I don't do it, then who will?"
His call to governments is clear:
"Governments should look at the impact of theater and music on the economy and society. What is happening in the world? Something would have to change."
The Wagnerian leap
Among the most important milestones of his career, his immersion in the Wagnerian universe stands out.Wagnerian universewhich was an enormous challenge:
"Singing my first cycle of Der Ring des Nibelungen was to assume the mantle of great singers of the role of Wotan, such as James Morris and John Tomlinson, who had tackled it for two decades."
And he describes the vocal transformation this entailed:
"It was a leap into the sometimes turbulent Wagnerian waters that required me to leave the lightness of Mozart to plunge into a different vocal and dramatic challenge."
Personal evolution and balance sheet
Finally, Terfel reflects on the natural evolution of his career and his current preferences:
"In the latter, I pray to be healthy and make the voice work in an expansive program. We are storytellers, and if you can't get the message across in different languages and librettos, it's better to leave the stage right away."
And with the serenity of experience, he admits:
"Now, about to turn 60, I prefer concerts to full operas. It's a natural change, perhaps due to age."
What you should know about Sir Bryn Terfel
Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel has developed an extraordinary career since winning the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Song award in 1989, performing regularly on the world's most prestigious concert stages and opera houses.
He studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Arthur Reckless and Rudolf Piernay. His repertoire ranges from Mozart to Sondheim, with performances ranging from intimate recitals to the BBC Last Night of the Proms.
His award-winning discography includes operas by Mozart, Wagner and Strauss, as well as more than 15 solo albums of lieder, American musical theater, Welsh songs and sacred repertoire. and sacred repertoire. His latest album, Sea Songsfeaturing maritime folk music, was released by Deutsche Grammophon.
His recent operatic performances include the title role in Sweeney Todd (Zurich Opera), Dulcamara (L'elisir d'amore), Don Basilio (Il barbiere di Siviglia) and Don Pasquale (Royal Opera House, Covent Garden).
In January 2025, Sir Bryn returned to the Metropolitan Opera after 13 years to once again play the role of Scarpia in Tosca (Puccini).
Committed to developing new talent, Sir Bryn has recently been encouraging young Welsh singers to participate in international competitions, such as the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
Sir Bryn was appointed CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2003, received the Queen's Medal for Music in 2006, was knighted in 2017 and was awarded the title of Austrian Kammersänger by the Vienna State Opera. In 2022, he received a European Cultural Award at the Tonhalle Zurich in recognition of his extraordinary musical career. In 2023, he performed Paul Mealor's Kyrie in Welsh at the coronation of King Charles III.
Enjoy one of the most important musical events of the year:
The concert where the Sinfónica de Minería presents Sir Bryn Terfel for the first time in Mexico!
