José Carreras

José Carreras, born Josep Maria Carreras Coll on December 5, 1946, in Barcelona, Spain, is a renowned operatic tenor celebrated for his profound interpretations of works by composers such as Donizetti, Verdi, and Puccini. His operatic journey began at the tender age of 11 when he debuted as Trujamán in Manuel de Falla's *El retablo de Maese Pedro*. Over his illustrious career, Carreras has performed over 60 roles, gracing the stages of the world's most prestigious opera houses and contributing to numerous acclaimed recordings.

Carreras rose to international fame as one of the Three Tenors alongside Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti, participating in a series of monumental concerts from 1990 until 2003 that captivated audiences worldwide. Beyond his artistic achievements, he is recognized for his philanthropic efforts as the founder and president of the José Carreras International Leukaemia Foundation, established after his own battle with leukemia, which he overcame in 1988.

Raised in a modest household in the Sants district of Barcelona, Carreras exhibited musical talent early in life, inspired by Mario Lanza's performance in *The Great Caruso*. He received his first music lessons at a young age and quickly progressed, garnering attention for his remarkable voice. His dedication to music led him to the Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu, ultimately paving the way for a celebrated career that has left a lasting impact on the world of opera.