By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Tales of artists starving for their beloved art are aplenty. Singing, for Jose Cura was a matter of survival first, however, and the affection came later. But initiatives seem to be of little consequence for the superstar tenor's palpable passion for music has put him on the world map.
``In Argentina in the 1980s, to start singing was a question of survival. Almost all orchestras and choirs were put on hold, and to conduct was an almost impossible task,'' Cura told The Korea Times in a recent email interview ahead of his concert here next month.
Born in Rosario, Argentina in 1962, Cura was originally trained as an orchestral conductor, and only started singing in his late 20s. ``When I discovered I could also sing, I started doing it just as a way of paying my family's maintenance. Eventually, singing become my career and I love it.''
The 47-year-old is reputed for his intensely original interpretation of operatic roles, which earned him the nickname as ``the fourth tenor'' after the Big Three (the late Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras).
But he comes first as a pioneer in his own right, as the first artist to sing and conduct simultaneously, both live and on recordings. In 2003, he rewrote operatic history when he conducted ``Cavalleria Rusticana'' and then stepped onto the stage after intermission to sing.
When asked about how he balances the two activities, as well as composing and teaching, Cura simply said, ``No secrets: great preparation and hard work.'' His know-how for maintaining a great voice was also succinct and to the point ― ``To have a normal life, in all senses: eat healthy, exercise, sleep properly,'' said the former body builder and kung fu black belt.
In his upcoming recital on May 4 at Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex, Gyeonggi Province, the prolific artist will offer fans an array of arias, including from operas by Verdi and Puccini such as ``Othello'' and ``Tosca.''
Soprano Kim In-hye will accompany him in duets, while Marlo de Rose will conduct the Korea Symphony Orchestra. But de Rose will step down from the podium when Cura conducts the overture from Verdi's ``Vespri Siciliani'' and ``La Tragenda'' from ``Le Villi,'' an early piece by Puccini.
When asked if a particular opera role has a special place in his heart, he said no. ``All the characters I currently interpret have a special place in my heart. I would not perform them if not, as the public notices when you are not at ease in a role.'' Fans can thus indulge in the show and see him transform from the grieving Otello to the love-struck Pinkerton.
The singer expressed enthusiasm about sharing his music with the Korean audience. ``Contrary to what we think in the West, Asian people are extremely passionate and demonstrative. But also, the demonstration of love is always done with a great deal of respect.''
Meanwhile, in addition to performing, Cura is dedicated to fostering young talent through teaching in London and leading the British Youth Opera Organization as its vice-president.
He said he reminds students, as Oscar Wilde said, ``Be yourself; everybody else is already taken.''
Moreover, he explained that classical music is for everyone. ``This music does not belong to an elitist group, that is not the `soundtrack' of an esoteric black mass performed only for a little intelligentsia, but great art,'' he said, just as timeless works of art are created by the people for the people.
Tickets cost from 30,000 to 200,000 won. Call 1577-7766.