clown doctor heal thyself

The day after his Salzburg recital met with a mixed reception, Rolando Villazon sat down for a few words with APA (in German).

Having recently cancelled two opera performances in Munich, struggled through another one, and managed just seven minutes of a recital in Copenhagen, Rolando was keen to divert the interviewer to his work as a clown doctor. Perhaps he would have been smarter to train as a gastroenterologist though - he eventually revealed that his recent problems have been caused by gastric reflux [an uncomfortable condition which can inflame the oesophagus].

Looking forward, in 2011 he will focus on Mozart, with Ottavio in Don Giovanni and Il Re pastore. But Tales of Hoffmann, one Massenet production (he doesn't say which one) and eventually, a Tosca [!] are all included in his future plans.  

 

Comments

[Chris Marquesas]

Well other tenors say they have gastric reflux problems too (Florez once admitted taking anti-acid pills as I recall), but they treat them and overcome them. I wonder why Rolando cannot do the same.

[Vecchio John]

As for Massenet a good role would be Le Jongleur de Notre Dame, who by his tricks and clowning finds redemption.

[Grazyna Kopij]

I can't help but loving the guy, he is one of the kind, always entertaining, on and off stage. His artistry and exuberant personality make him a winning star.I wish him full recovery from all his problems. Can't wait for his Mozart but I will. If he decides to take on the fashion industry I will follow too, but certainly prefer Mozart.

[Nikolaus Vogel]

The Massenet production could either be the Werther he is scheduled to be directing in Lyon or the revival he is slated to sing at Covent Garden, although there is already speculation that either Vittorio Grigolo or Bryan Hymel will be headlining the Royal Opera cast. Where is he doing Hoffmann next season? He says it's absurd that managements book singers five years aheard, but all star singers have to deal with with that. If he isn't booked that far ahead, it suggests that most of the important houses have cold feet about his future prospects. Anyway, let's hope he's really on the mend and this isn't him being delusional.

[Vecchio John]

Please not Hymel as Werther. Easily one of the worst debuts last season and his French is atrocious.

[Joe Montpellier]

Hymel is fantastic.