The celebrated English tenor William Turner is set to make his first-ever appearance in Paraguay. He will perform alongside the Symphony Orchestra of the City of Asunción (OSCA) in a highly anticipated concert. The event is scheduled for Thursday, 19 March, at 20:00 in the historic Teatro Municipal in Asunción, free of charge.
This performance marks the second concert in the orchestra’s acclaimed series, “The Fabulous World of Music,” which aims to bring world-class musical experiences to the public. The orchestra will be under the esteemed direction of Maestro Luis Szaran, a prominent figure in the nation’s classical music scene.
The distinguished career of William Turner
William Turner arrives in Paraguay with an impressive international reputation, having performed in numerous operas, concerts, and recitals across Europe and the United States. His extensive experience has established him as a versatile and accomplished artist on the world stage. For a period, Turner also served as the Co-director of Music for the British Council in Russia, a role that demonstrates his commitment not only to performance, but also to cultural diplomacy and music administration.
His repertoire is notably broad, spanning centuries of musical history. Turner is as comfortable performing the works of classical masters like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Giuseppe Verdi as he is with championing contemporary composers. He has notably performed pieces by modern artists such as Thomas Adès, Andrew Lovett, and Leonid Desyatnikov, showcasing his dedication to keeping the classical tradition alive and evolving.
A rich and varied musical programme
Attendees can anticipate a diverse and captivating repertoire that highlights William Turner’s vocal prowess and the orchestra’s symphonic depth. The programme will feature Turner performing celebrated arias from the works of George Frideric Handel and Ruggero Leoncavallo. In addition, the evening will include classic songs by composers Francesco Paolo Tosti, Eduardo di Capua, and Ernesto de Curtis, promising an emotive journey through Italian and English vocal traditions. The selection is designed to appeal to both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers to classical music.
Beyond the vocal performances, the concert will also showcase a range of powerful orchestral pieces. The programme includes symphonic works by Bedřich Smetana, Gioachino Rossini, Jules Massenet, Edward Elgar, and Johann Sebastian Bach. This carefully curated selection ensures a full and balanced concert experience, allowing the Symphony Orchestra of the City of Asunción to display its own artistry and technical skill.
Featuring celebrated local musicians
The concert also serves as a platform to celebrate Paraguay’s own musical talent. The Symphony Orchestra of the City of Asunción (OSCA) is a cornerstone of the country’s cultural life, and its collaboration with an international artist like William Turner highlights its high standard of excellence. Under the leadership of Maestro Luis Szaran, the orchestra continues to be a driving force in classical music performance and education in the region. This performance is a testament to the orchestra’s ability to engage in high-level international collaborations.
Furthermore, the evening will feature a special presentation by the Echeverría brothers, Miguel Ángel and José Miguel. Both are integral members of the OSCA, serving as violinists and a director within the orchestra. Their participation adds another layer of local artistry to the event, showcasing the depth of talent within the ensemble. The joint performance will symbolise a powerful fusion of local and international musical traditions, creating a unique and memorable experience for the audience.
Information for attendees
Admission to this special performance is free and open to the public. To ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, a preferential entrance will be available. Guests who are senior citizens, individuals with special needs, and other special invited guests are kindly asked to use the entrance at Door A of the Teatro Municipal for priority access.
Also read: Curtains Up: The Untold Story of Asunción’s Theatres.
