Jonas Kaufmann & Sir Antonio Pappano and friends, Barbican

It's never too early to put a date with the great German tenor Jonas Kaufmann in the diary. The Barbican music series 2020/21 does not get under way until September, but already all eyes are on 21 May 2021, when two giants of music are united on stage.

London more often sees Kaufmann in costume, taking the great tenor roles at the Royal Opera House, with Sir Antonio Pappano conducting in the orchestral pit. But at the Barbican they appear together as recitalist and accompanist.

Both artists are consummate tellers of stories in music, brilliantly incisive and gifted with singing and playing talent that leaves audiences lost for words.

Sir Antonio Pappano, music director of the Royal Opera House, is a gifted pianist. Photo: Mussacchaio and Ianniello

With the help of a few other musical friends, their musical soiree promises to be a memorable occasion, and a rare opportunity to see and hear Kaufmann out of character.

While the programme is yet to be announced, items are sure to include favourites from the Italian opera and German art song repertoire. With the music director due to retire from Covent Garden in 2023, after 21 years at the helm, the evening will be a memorable one.

---

Booking opens 10AM, Mon 16 March 2020. Jonas Kaufmann appears in Beethoven's Fidelio at the Royal Opera House 1-17 March 2020. The performance on 17 March is screened across London and nationwide. Click here for details.