Curtis on Tour to Showcase Rising Stars in Madrid with Italian & Spanish Musical Fusion
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A captivating program blending Italian Belcanto opera with the vibrant traditions of Spanish song and stage is set to grace the Fundación Juan March in Madrid this October. The Curtis Institute of Music’s “Curtis on Tour” initiative will present performances on Sunday, October 12, 2025, and Monday, October 13, 2025, both at 12:00 p.m., featuring a talented ensemble of young musicians.
The initiative aims to introduce emerging artists from the Curtis Institute to an international audience, offering programs that thoughtfully combine established repertoire with works deeply rooted in regional musical cultures. In Madrid, this approach manifests as a compelling dialogue between Italian opera and the rich tapestry of Spanish musical expression.
A Program of Contrasts and Connections
The concert will open with Gaetano Donizetti’s concert scenes, “Uno Sguardo Ed Una Voce,” immediately followed by selections from Gioachino Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, including “Largo al Factotum,” “a voice a little while ago,” and a duet. These pieces will highlight the vocal prowess of baritone Emilio Vásquez alongside soprano Jeysla Rosario Santos and Nikan Ingabire Kanate, accompanied by pianist Kārlis Bukovskis.
The program’s structure is designed to distribute musical numbers across the ensemble, ensuring each artist has an opportunity to shine. Following the Italian selections, guitarist Xingxing Yao will take center stage with Federico Moreno Torroba’s Sonatina For Guitar Solo – a cornerstone of 20th-century Spanish guitar repertoire.
Spanish-language songs by Ernesto Cordero – “La Hija del Viejo Pancho,” “Madrugada,” and “El Viaje Definitive” – will then showcase the interplay between Rosario Santos and Yao. Franz Liszt’s virtuosic Rigoletto-Paraphrase will provide a showcase for Bukovskis’s piano skills.
Iberian Echoes and a Grand Finale
The concert will culminate in a celebration of Iberian stage and folk traditions, featuring “Me Llaman la Primorosa” by Gerónimo Giménez, drawn from The Seville Barber, and Agustín Lara’s beloved “Granada.” These final pieces promise a vibrant and emotionally resonant conclusion to the performance.
The ensemble for “Curtis on Tour” includes Emilio Vásquez (baritone), Xingxing Yao (guitar), Kārlis Bukovskis (piano), Jeysla Rosario Santos (soprano), and Nikan Ingabire Kanate (soprano). The Madrid appearance is presented by the Fundación Juan March, located at Castelló 77.
According to a release, the initiative underscores the Curtis Institute’s commitment to fostering the next generation of musical talent and sharing their artistry with the world. This Madrid performance exemplifies that commitment, offering audiences a unique and compelling musical experience.
