This week’s Performing Arts Pick comes from renowned Mexican tenor Rolando Villazon. Released this week on Deutsche Grammophon, “Mozart: Concert Arias” continues Villazon’s tour through the work of the great composer, which began with “Don Giovanni” in 2011 and continued with “Così fan tutte” in the summer of 2013. The new album, recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, features 10 arias that were “penned under the radar” for works that were never completed or for other composers, and includes pieces from the very early period of Mozart’s career. Many of the recordings here will be unfamiliar to most except Mozart aficionados, which makes this release especially important to check out.
The collaboration came together during Villazon’s performance in the title role of Jules Massenet’s “Werther” at the Royal Opera House in London. It was there that he approached Sir Antonio Pappano, music director of the Royal Opera House, about working with him on the project.
Below, watch a trailer for the album, featuring a conversation between Villazon and Pappano.
