WHO IS JUAN DIEGO FLÓREZ
Juan Diego Flórez has built a career defined by performances on the world’s leading stages, establishing himself as one of opera’s most respected and accomplished artists. Known as the legendary Tenor, he is well loved by international audiences and critic alike. He is especially celebrated for his interpretations of bel canto and French Romantic repertoire, where his expressive clarity and vocal agility are most vividly felt.
Beyond the stage, Flórez is an internationally recognised recording artist with an extensive discography, he has also remained closely connected to his roots. Born in Lima, Peru, Flórez has now received the highest decoration title in Peru as the Knight Grand Cross in the Order of the Sun of Peru. He is known for his generosity and passion, extending into meaningful philanthropic work, most notably through Sinfonía por el Perú, a social initiative established by Flórez, using music as a tool to support vulnerable children and young people.
‘todo empieza por un sueño’‘Everything starts with a dream.’
His contributions to music and culture have been recognised with numerous honours, including Peru’s highest national distinction, the Gran Cruz de la Orden El Sol, and the title of Kammersänger, awarded by the Austrian government in 2012.
In his second return to Australia for his recital concert, Upcloud Studios were honoured to work alongside him to produce meaningful content. An opportunity known to many as, rare, almost unheard of. No photography equipment is usually allowed during Flórez's performance let alone any filming. In turn, he was delighted of our presence, giving thanks and recognition of our work.
INSIDE THE RECITAL
Perspective from within the Sydney Opera House
Flórez’s recital in Sydney was a magical experience on and behind the stage. Our team were amazed to be a part of it. Being invited to document all the moments that surrounded the concert, from preparation, quiet hours of rehearsal to what eventually unfolded on stage, it was extravagant.
He was joined by pianist Vincenzo Scalera, whose presence was integral to the evening — attentive, responsive, and deeply musical.
The performance revealed itself as something carefully held together — The dialogue between voice and piano felt lived-in, shaped by trust rather than display.
There was also generosity in how he performed. While reserved off stage, he was deeply appreciative of the audience — fully living within the moment of performance, offering his focus completely. Being involved in the Sydney recital was a reminder that great performances are rarely built through excess or spectacle, but through presence, preparation, and many unseen hours of commitment, as we saw during his closed door rehearsal.
'He brings tears to our eyes, it's absolutely beautiful'——Audience
WHAT IS UNSEEN, BUT DEEPLY FELT
The night closed with standing ovations, an energized crowd, and a palpable sense of appreciation filling the Sydney Opera House. We look forward to crossing paths with Juan Diego Flórez and his team again when he returns in the years to come.
Needless to say, behind this magical evening stands the Castiglione team, whose care and coordination brought this work to Australian grounds and created the conditions for it to exist as it did. Much of that effort remains invisible, but its presence is felt in every detail — in the flow of the night, the space held for the artists, and the quiet precision that allowed the music to land.
For us, participating in this concert was not about proximity to the stage, but proximity to the work itself. To witness both the vulnerability and resolve that shape Juan Diego’s practice was a rare experience.
It’s a night that stayed with us — not because of its volume, but because of its depth.
