Donizetti meets Argentina
On 10 October 2025, Germán Enrique Alcántara gave a one-off recital in London of rare Italian and Argentinian songs. Launching Opera Rara’s 55th season at Temple Music Foundation, Germán, together with pianist Anna Tilbrook, performed a selection of rarely heard songs by Donizetti alongside songs from Argentina by composers such as Esnaola, Aguirre, Buchardo, Torrá, Williams and Carrique.
Critics’ Point who attended said: Alcántara – surely among the most accomplished lyric artists of his generation – commands a voice of striking distinction: warm-tone, full-bodied and rich in colour. His technical command is equally assured. Yet, what most clearly defines his artistry is the exceptional expressiveness of his singing and the generous spirit with which he approaches both the music and his audience. Each was song was given real vitality; he illuminated the inner world and narrative-operatic inflections of Donizetti’s writing, as well as the emotional landscape of the Argentinian repertoire he chose to champion. Throughout, he proved an engaging and stylish interpreter, singing with unfailing energy and refinement.
Several of the Argentinian songs received their UK premieres that evening and Germán’s exploration of music from his homeland will continue when he records his first recital album this year (2026) Cantares with his long-time collaborator, pianist Knut Jacques.
You can hear excerpts from the recital via Germán’s YouTube channel including this duet with special guest, friend and colleague mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina. Together they sang Carlos Guastavino's Pueblito, mi pueblo:
