Rolando Villazón

Prepare for a grand Italian musical fiesta as star tenor Rolando Villazón graces Tivoli Gardens with a lavish program of vocal masterpieces.

The Mexican-born performer takes audiences on a captivating journey through centuries of Italian vocal music, showcasing the voice that has shaped the opera world for over 25 years. Hailed by The Times as “the most charming of today’s divos,” Villazón’s virile voice combines elegance, power, and emotional depth, breathing life into opera’s greatest hits. Since his breakout victory at Plácido Domingo’s Operalia competition in 1999, he has become one of the world’s most sought-after vocal soloists.

Beyond his singing career, Villazón is a true Renaissance artist—a director, novelist, artistic director, and radio and TV host—whose passion for the Italian repertoire takes centre stage in this unique concert. Alongside his regular pianist and collaborator, Sarah Tysman, he will guide us through the Italian songbook, celebrating its expressive and virtuosic phrasing. This program is the very essence of high-voltage romance, tracing the evolution of Italian vocal music from the early masters to the soulful canzoni popularised by The Three Tenors.

The evening begins in the early 18th century with composers like Scarlatti, Durante, and Bononcini, whose works laid the foundation for Italy’s legendary vocal tradition. The program then transitions to the bel canto brilliance of Bellini, followed by the passionate and richly emotive Romanticism of Tosti, Verdi, and Puccini, and concludes with the beloved canzoni that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

This colourful musical journey promises to nourish both hearts and souls, leaving every listener enchanted.

Program and cast

Duration: 70 minutes, no interval

Soloist: Rolando Villazón

PIanist: Sarah Tysman

Programme

Works by Scarlatti, Durante, Bononcini, Bellini, Verdi, Cilea, Tosti, Puccini, Vincenzo de Crescenzo and Gastaldon.