San Antonio.- In less than 3 short weeks, ARTS SA presents another master of the musical arts, Julio Iglesias, who will perform at the Majestic Theater on July 14. There are only a few tickets left, and while ARTS SA is gratified by the warm support - you'd better hurry to make sure you get a seat.
By Angela Covo
Julio Iglesias is much more than the world's most popular singer - he is the international icon of romance and elegance.
The singer has a huge and loyal fan base across the globe. From Buenos Aires, Argentina, long-time fan Alicia Dichiaro eloquently expressed, "Julio Iglesias is not only incredibly romantic, he projects an image of sweetness and kindness - and he sets the standard for beautiful music."
And although Iglesias has a very particular style, his repertoire is at least as broad as his fan base. From the melancholy strains of tango to American standards, gorgeous Spanish ballads to rumbas and flamencos, the vocal stylist has mastered all the genres and in several languages, bringing his gift of music to millions of people all over the world.
While Iglesias casts a spirit of bon vivant, in fact, he is most proud of his strict sense of discipline.
"One must understand the concept of control. To learn more, to be more confident, these things are not for free, there is a price to pay, and it is well worth it", he explained. "It is the result of understanding in your heart that the most difficult thing in life is not to drive, but to be driven."
While a law student in Madrid, and a rising star goalie for Real Madrid futbol, Iglesias suffered a devastating accident that almost killed him. In fact, the athlete lay cripple for quite some time, regaining the use of his limbs by sheer determination, and of course, discipline.
"I had an accident when I was very, very young, about 20 years old - I was almost dead, but I changed my life on many levels - I learned to play the guitar and became a singer", Iglesias said.
He explained that he never felt bitter about the incident that destroyed the life he had already planned out. As he regained his strength, day by day, he started to play the guitar to improve his dexterity, and discovered his God-given talent.
"It turned out that I could sing and I started to write songs", he said. His parents encouraged him, and although he believed they were biased, he forged ahead. Iglesias refocused his passion, brought to bear his discipline, and recreated himself … from lawyer and athlete to singer - with superstar status.
"You know, I have never believed in destiny, that is to say, I believe in circumstance, that one is born to do a certain thing", Iglesias said. "But you have to compete, you have to really learn and you have to put your strength to the limit."
And the singer-philosopher followed his star perfectly -- and completed his law degree as well. In a recent interview, he joked, "I am a singer who sings that he was a lawyer at one time."
He has been to San Antonio on tour at least 20 times, but he said the one thing he wants San Antonio to know is that he is not a saint - "Digales que no soy santo".
And yet, while he will not accept the mantle of role model, he gives back constantly. In 1989, he was appointed goodwill ambassador to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and still actively participates.
"You see, I live an absolutely privileged life, and the love and passion comes from singing," he said. "I am truly blessed".
In the late 80's he won a Grammy Award for Un Hombre Solo. In the 90's, he recorded an album with tracks in different languages for separate releases (an extraordinarily difficult feat), followed by albums with duets with far-flung partners like Sting, Thalia, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson.
But it is the romantic pulse inside him that drives him to sing tango.
"Yo soy un tanguero, muy tanguero", he said. He explained that the philosophy of the tango -- the resolute themes of love, the tango's deeply romantic sentiment, the utterly quixotic nuance and depth of intensity when a man loves a woman, all that passion and tradition that only the tango can deliver -- is what attracts him and what he embraces.
His favorite tango is "El dia que me quieras", possibly one of the most powerful and passionate tangos ever written.
The international star has been everywhere, performing for diverse audiences, but when asked what space he felt most connected to in his travels, without dropping a beat, Iglesias answered, "I feel absolutely connected to life, to the energy of the sun, to the pull of the sea."
He will be bringing his music, his verve and zest for life to the Majestic Theater in San Antonio on July 14, and while we are delighted to have him back again, the feeling is mutual.
"I'm going to play in a beautiful theater in San Antonio, I am very excited."
For more information about the concert, call (210) 226-2891
(Source: julioiglesias.com)
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