by croatiaweek
August 27, 2025
in
(Photo: Damir Bošnjak)
Under the open sky and within the monumental setting of Pula Arena, world-renowned tenor José Carreras performed on Tuesday, 26 August, alongside the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by David Giménez and soprano Dušica Bijelić, reaffirming his place among the greatest names in the history of opera.
The evening opened with Verdi’s Sinfonia from Nabucco, performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic, before Carreras took to the stage.
He began his programme with the moving Passione by Nicola Valente, followed by the Neapolitan classic Dicitencello vuie by Rodolfo Falvo, immediately winning over the audience with his trademark warmth and vocal strength.
(Photo: Damir Bošnjak)
Carreras presented a carefully curated programme that balanced classical works and popular melodies, showcasing the breadth of his artistry.
(Photo: Damir Bošnjak)
Highlights included Por tu amor, Rosó by Josep Ribas, the iconic The Impossible Dream from The Man of La Mancha, and Sinatra’s timeless My Way.
The second half of the concert brought some of Carreras’ most celebrated interpretations. From the lyrical Serenata sincera to the beloved Torna a Surriento by Ernesto de Curtis, and the zarzuela No puede ser from La tabernera del puerto by Pablo Sorozábal, each performance drew prolonged applause.
(Photo: Damir Bošnjak)
A particularly emotional moment arrived when Carreras performed Granada by Agustín Lara under the starry Pula sky, closing the official programme to a standing ovation.
Soprano Dušica Bijelić also delivered a memorable contribution, performing arias such as Ah! Je ris de me voir si belle from Gounod’s Faust and the popular I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady.
(Photo: Damir Bošnjak)
Her duets with Carreras – including Erik Satie’s Je te veux and De Curtis’ Non ti scordar di me – were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
For Carreras, who has often spoken of the inspiration and privilege he feels when performing in Pula Arena, this concert was another highlight in a career spanning decades.
(Photo: Damir Bošnjak)
As the legendary tenor approaches the closing chapter of his international journey, he will next appear on 6 October 2026 at Cankarjev dom in Ljubljana.