Legendary tenor José Carreras has just wrapped up his farewell tour in China with a stunning new show at Beijing’s Poly Theater. Chinese pianist Li Yundi also played alongside with a special rendition of a Chinese folk classic.
A concert full of passion and emotion... an ode to life.
It was a unique opportunity to see and experience one of the renowned "Three Tenors" for the last time.
The special program titled "A Life in Music", takes the audience on a musical journey, as José sings the songs that have influenced and defined his life, from the tunes he loved as a boy to the arias and songs he performed as one of the famous Three Tenors, alongside Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti.
"We try to present a playlist of what my career has been, operas, operate, musicals, songs that have been an important part of my life, my career, this is why I’m doing this concert," he said.
Legendary tenor José Carreras has just wrapped up his farewell tour in China with a stunning new show at Beijing’s Poly Theater. Chinese pianist Li Yundi also played alongside with a special rendition of a Chinese folk classic.
The 70-year-old tenor also surprised the audience with a special rendition of Chinese folk classic "In A Place Faraway."
Joining him on stage was Chinese pianist Li Yundi, the youngest champion and jury member for the International Chopin Piano Competition.
The duo are both known for their romantic approach to music. Li said this collaboration on a Chinese folk classic was both memorable and inspirational.
"I'm so glad to work with him, he's so talented, this time we play together, with Chinese folk music as inspiration. His beautiful voice with piano, I think it's very inspirational to me," Li said.
Carreras also has great fondess for the song. In fact, he has performed the song at one of the biggest stages in China: the Spring Festival gala.
"This is a song that they love, and it seems the chinese audience love it very much. I enjoyed it very much, It seems they like it very much," Carreras said.
In his prime, Carreras took roles such as Alfredo in La traviata or Riccardo in Un ballo in maschera and put his own stamp on them.
He's also the reason for a growing number of young opera fans, reigniting people's interest in classical music.
However, his career was put on hold in 1987 when he was diagnosed at the age of 40 with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and given only a 10 per cent chance of survival.
Carreras eventually fought through it and now in his 70s, he's preparing to bow out on the opera stage and pursue charity as a new venture.
"Singing has not only been my profession, but my passion, my life. I will try to occupy myself in other important things. Life offers you different things at different stages. I wish to dedicate more time to my foundation, to fight against leukemia concentrate to this very important goal in my life," Carreras said.
After Beijing, Carreras will carry on his world farewell tour. His music, as well as his inspiring life stories, will continue to touch millions.
