Juan Diego Flórez in Recital

Internationally renowned tenor Juan Diego Flórez is best known for his outstanding bel canto style and French Romantic repertoire. His incredibly smooth and sweet vocals make him especially suited to these romantic and emotional arias. In his Australian recital he delights audiences with highlights of performances that have characterised his sensational career. Flórez is accompanied by award winning pianist Cécile Restier who regularly works alongside him.

The performance is an astonishing tour de force. The program includes notable or memorable arias from Rossini, Donizetti, Bizet, Verdi and Puccini. Pavarotti describes him as “charming, talented with a beautiful voice.” In fact, Flórez has a beguiling and enchanting presence on stage and easily elicits adoration from his audience.

His performance of Donizetti’s L'elisir d'amore brings tears to the eyes and the depth of emotion he brings to the arias is facilitated by a relaxed and down to earth approach to his singing. The roles are vividly evoked through his gentle but powerful vocals. In this recital format Flórez is able to establish an even greater connection to his audience and in Melbourne they were reluctant to let him leave the stage. Restier also beautifully punctuates the program with her own outstanding solo performances. 

Flórez and Restier indulged the audience with numerous superb encores. However, one of the highlights of the numerous encores were the examples of his talent as a Peruvian folk and pop music singer. With guitar in hand and singing in his native language Flórez’s delicacy and versatility are made even more explicit. 

This recital is a rare and unique opportunity to luxuriate in Flórez’s alluring manner, his endearing style and the sheer beauty of his vocals. 

Patricia Di Risio 

Image courtesy of Gregor Hohenberg Sony Music