Jose Carreras

Date of Birth: December 5, 1946

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Biography

José Carreras, born Josep Maria Carreras i Coll, is a renowned Spanish tenor born on December 5, 1946, in Barcelona, Spain. He is celebrated for his captivating performances in the operatic world and is best known as one of the “Three Tenors,” alongside Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti. Carreras’ passion for music emerged at a young age, and he made his operatic debut at just 11 years old in a production of “El retablo de Maese Pedro” by Manuel de Falla. Carreras’ career blossomed in the 1970s and 1980s, with performances in major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, La Scala in Milan, and the Royal Opera House in London. His repertoire spans over 60 operas, with notable roles in “La Bohème,” “Tosca,” “Carmen,” and “Don Carlo.” In 1987, Carreras faced a life-threatening battle with leukemia. After undergoing extensive treatment, including a bone marrow transplant, he made a remarkable recovery. His experience led him to establish the José Carreras International Leukaemia Foundation in 1988, dedicated to funding research and supporting patients with leukemia. Carreras’ collaboration with Domingo and Pavarotti as the “Three Tenors” began in 1990 and brought opera to a broader audience, with their concerts and recordings achieving global success. Despite reducing his operatic performances in the 2000s, Carreras continues to perform in concerts and recitals, maintaining his status as one of the most beloved tenors of his generation.

5 Interesting Facts about Jose Carreras

1. José Carreras made his operatic debut at age 11.

2. He has sung in over 60 different operas throughout his career.

3. Carreras survived a life-threatening battle with leukemia in 1987.

4. He founded the José Carreras International Leukaemia Foundation in 1988.

5. Carreras was part of the iconic “Three Tenors” alongside Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jose Carreras

1. “When you are a young man, you are ambitious and you want to be the best. But when you are older, you understand that it is more important to be yourself.”

2. “Music is not a profession; it is a passion.”

3. “The only success worth one’s powder was success in the line of one’s idiosyncrasy.”

4. “The moment you think you understand a great work of art, it’s dead for you.”

5. “My illness taught me that life is a very precious thing.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by José Carreras is estimated to be around $250 million.

Children

José Carreras has two children, a son named Albert Carreras, and a daughter named Julia Carreras, from his marriage to Mercedes Pérez, which ended in divorce in 1992.