From Peru: tenor Juan Diego Flórez

Known for his expertise in the bel-canto repertoire, tenor Juan Diego Flórez returns to Chicago for his first performance here in more than 15 years.

One of the most admired singers of his era, the native of Lima, Peru, is hailed for his vocal agility, lyrical elegance, outstanding stage presence and thrilling high notes. Born into a musical family, Flórez followed the lead of his father, Rubén, a vocalist who specialized in the criollo waltzes of Peruvian composer Chabuca Granda (1920-1983). Juan Diego inherited his father’s talent as well as his love for Latin American music in general.

Along with his concert career, he advocates for social justice. In 2011, Flórez founded Sinfonía por el Perú, a project aimed at using music to enhance the artistic and personal development of children and youth in his homeland.

For his Symphony Center Presents recital, Flórez will perform a program of arias by his favorite composers, along with a selection of Spanish songs. He will be joined by his longtime collaborator, pianist Vincenzo Scalera.