Famed opera singer set to trill at Cultural Centre
Stabroek News
January 6, 2004
Renowned Baritone Dr. Simon Estes is set to trill and thrill in May when he takes to the stage at the National Cultural Centre with local singer Paul Cort.
Cort, who has been studying with Estes in Iowa, said yesterday at a press briefing that Estes is expected to perform in May as part of a South American tour. He said that the world-class professional singer will be here on a five-day stay.
Estes has been one of the world's leading Bass-Baritones for over four decades and will perform a solo repertoire accompanied by piano. Cort will also perform solo and later team up with Estes to do several classical numbers.
Cort said that though opera is not widespread in Guyana the music is known and accepted.
He explained that since most of the vocals are in foreign languages, programme notes with a word-by-word translation would be made available.
He said that the organisers are working towards having two performances, one at the Cultural Centre and another at Le Meridien Pegasus. Cort said that the ticket price would be set to reach a wide Guyanese audience.
Estes may hold a workshop for youths who are interested in classical music and also meet with local school choirs during his stay.
Estes has performed with the world's most prominent orchestras and conductors in the finest opera houses and recital halls.
Cort said the singer has recorded on more than ten labels and has sung over 100 operatic roles, a reputation which few singers are able to equal.
He has performed for may world leaders and has sung alongside the likes of Placido Domingo, Grace Bumbury, Jessye Norman and Leontyne Price.
As a Bass-Baritone, Estes is best known as King Phillip in Don Carlo, Escamillio in Carmen, Porgy in Porgy and Bess, the title roles of Boris Gudonov and Macbeth and his four roles in Tales of Hoffman among others.