José Cura “First steps are sometimes awkward, and we often stumble before we learn how to run…” In 1970, at the age of eight, Cura’s first piano teacher sent him home with a note saying: “Little José is not very interested in music, so perhaps it would be better to find him another hobby.” By 2015, however, he had conquered the musical world. “Never listen to the doubters; always follow your dream,” says José.
This can be read on José Cura’s official website.
Born in Argentina into a music-loving family, and perhaps in search of his true calling, he learned to play six different instruments. Cura began studying guitar with Juan Di Lorenzo. At the age of fifteen, he made his debut as a choral conductor. A year later, he began studying composition with Carlos Castro and piano with Zulma Cabrera.
In 1982, he began studies in conducting and composition at the School of Arts of the National University of Rosario. In 1983, he became assistant conductor of the university choir. The choirmaster (also the head of the conservatory) heard Mr. Cura singing a jazz improvisation during a rehearsal and persuaded him to begin vocal studies. His first public operatic performance was Cavaradossi’s aria “E lucevan le stelle.” At the age of 21, he won a scholarship to study at the School of Arts of the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, where he sang for several years in the theatre choir while continuing his studies in composition and conducting.
At 22, he made his operatic debut in Massenet’s Manon in Buenos Aires, singing one of the two croupiers in the gambling scene of Act IV, with the line: “Faites vos jeux, messieurs! Faites vos jeux!”
His first vocal teachers were unsure how to handle Cura’s unique, powerful voice. After several years of struggle, he gave up singing for a time. He conducted a chamber opera group, and when the leading tenor withdrew, Cura stepped into the performances. It was then that he was heard by Gustavo López, a tenor from the Teatro Colón. The rest is musical history, worthy of a film. In 1988, he met Horacio Amauri, who helped him establish the foundations of his vocal technique. In 1991, José Cura auditioned for a position at the Teatro Colón but was not accepted. Convinced that he had much to offer, Cura and his family moved to Europe.
He returned triumphantly to Buenos Aires for a gala performance in 1994. In 1992, he met the tenor Vittorio Terranova, who trained him in the Italian operatic style. In February 1992, he made his debut in Verona in the role of the Father in Henze’s Pollicino. José Cura’s first major role was Jan in the Trieste Opera production of Miss Julie by Bibalo in March 1993. The following year, he won the “Operalia” competition in Mexico City, made his debut in Chicago as Loris in Fedora, appeared as Riberto in Le Villi in Martina Franca, and gave a grand gala concert at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.
José Cura has composed several works, including sacred pieces such as Stabat Mater and Requiem, a children’s opera, a ballet based on the story of Pinocchio, and others.
His first appearance in Bulgaria was as a conductor. His first role on the Bulgarian stage was Otello in 2018 at the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv. He has served as president of the jury of the international tenor competition “The Voice of Kamen” and frequently conducts performances at the Stara Zagora Opera.
Since November 31, 2025, he has been the Principal Guest Conductor of the Stara Zagora State Opera.
