Gathering of Great Musicians in Venezuela

Hello, everyone! I’m stopping by here on my blog to share my thoughts on the experience we are living through this week in Caracas. On Saturday, May 23rd, we will be performing Richard Wagner’s opera Parsifal at the Teresa Carreño Theater. Although there will be some staging, it will essentially be a concert performance, featuring only the conductor, soloists, orchestra, and chorus, without elaborate sets. In fact, we won't be performing the complete opera, but rather its most significant moments (which is pretty much the whole thing!) 🤣 This is one of those events where I feel like nothing more than a tiny grain of sand on some beach somewhere in the world—but I assure you, I am the happiest grain of sand there is! 💖

Richard Wagner’s music is not very common in our country; nevertheless, an association was established a few years ago specifically to promote his work throughout Venezuela. Two years ago, we hosted a very special gala where we performed excerpts from several of his operas; now, however, we are presenting a nearly complete version of one of them. To this end, world-class musicians have gathered in Caracas to join forces with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra and the Simón Bolívar National Choir—namely, German conductor Raoul Grüneis, Lithuanian soprano Aušrinė Stundytė, Danish tenor Magnus Vigilius, and Icelandic baritone Tómas Tómasson. In fact, I have had the opportunity to speak with almost all of them—the soprano is the only one I have yet to meet, though perhaps I will catch her at this afternoon’s dress rehearsal! 🤭 Regardless, they all make us feel as though we are part of a world-class project, right here in our own country.

German conductor Raoul Grüneis:

Singing Wagner is on a whole other level; I believe it is the densest music ever written for singers—and not just for the soloists, but for choristers like us as well. My voice isn't really suited to this style at all 😅, but combined with the rest of the choir, we generate an unstoppable power on stage. I think this is going to be a very special weekend, as every day has brought us wonderful learning experiences. Plus, we’ve broken out of our usual routine; we’re rehearsing at a different time—one that actually suits my vocal cords better—and we’re at the Teresa Carreño Theater, a beautiful venue that offers a welcome change of pace from making music at our own headquarters. The only downside is that we haven't had any downtime since our anniversary concert last weekend, and next week isn't looking very promising in terms of workload! 🤣

Yes, our schedule is packed, but it is all part of the celebration marking our 20th anniversary. So, all that remains for me is to savor the moment and live each day with great passion. Joining us for this event will be a prominent Venezuelan actress—whose name I hope to reveal in a future post—as well as two singers from our choral ensemble, Mariana Camacho and Anderson Piaspam. They will be joined by Maestro Martín Camacho, our ensemble’s vocal coach and a true luminary in the world of Venezuelan operatic singing. Indeed, Venezuela boasts many artists worthy of performing Wagner; however, it is invaluable to invite—and learn from—those who have immersed themselves in this repertoire on European soil, where the standard of academic musical excellence is exceptionally high. I remain eternally grateful for all the gifts that life bestows upon us through this beautiful musical endeavor 🙏