The Journey of Luis Magallanes: A Venezuelan Tenor’s Path

As winter approaches, Zúrich faces the chill of the season, but the sunlit Sechseläutenplatz radiates warmth. Venezuelan tenor Luis Magallanes, a member of the city’s opera choir, adjusts his gray scarf to protect his most valuable asset—his voice. After finishing a rehearsal of Giuseppe Verdi’s “La forza del destino,” which portrays a tragic love story set against the backdrop of war, he reflects on his own life experiences that mirror those themes: hunger, power struggles, and exile.

From Venezuela to Switzerland

Seven years ago, depleted by the hardships in his homeland, Luis made the difficult decision to leave Venezuela. Despite having a job that provided him a salary, it was barely sufficient for daily meals. Faced with the possibility of abandoning his dream of becoming a liric singer, a wish inspired by Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez, he considered traveling to Argentina to work in a butcher shop, one of the few job options available to him at the time. Ultimately, he chose to pursue his passion for music instead.

Seeking Help

With determination, Luis reached out to prominent musicians residing abroad for support, including renowned pianist Gabriela Montero. Known for her stunning performances, Montero had previously played at Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009 and collaborated with illustrious figures like Itzhak Perlman and Yo Yo Ma. In a moment of serendipity, she encouraged Magallanes to record a video amidst the Venezuelan economic crisis of 2017, marking the first step in his journey.

“The sun in Zaraza is much bluer,” says Luis, recalling his birthplace in Venezuela. Given the vast Venezuelan diaspora, it’s become commonplace for people to specify their exact origin, no longer just claiming to be Venezuelan.

The System That Shaped Him

Growing up in Zaraza, a town in the Venezuelan plains, music was omnipresent. Luis developed a passion for teaching music early on, which led him to “El Sistema,” Venezuela’s National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras and Choirs, established in 1975 by musician José Antonio Abreu. The program aimed to provide free musical education to children.

Awakening a Dream

In February 2009, after a regular morning of rehearsals, Luis stumbled upon a captivating performance by the Simón Bolívar Orchestra under the baton of a young Gustavo Dudamel, featuring the extraordinary voice of Juan Diego Flórez. This encounter ignited his desire to pursue a singing career. Alongside his teaching duties, he began performing as a tenor in Caracas, particularly at the Teresa Carreño Theater.

Facing Crisis

On February 13, 2013, a national broadcast announced a staggering devaluation of the Bolívar, plunging Venezuela into its worst economic crisis. Luis recalls that day vividly: grocery prices skyrocketed within hours. The country would soon face hyperinflation, severe food shortages, and a contracting economy. As a music teacher, his salary dwindled to barely enough for basic sustenance.

“Desperation,” is the word Luis uses to describe the feeling of living in a country torn by crisis, often struggling to forget the pangs of hunger.

Decision to Leave

By Christmas, with minimal food options available, Luis knew he couldn’t stay in Zaraza any longer. An offer from a friend to work in a butcher shop in Argentina nudged him towards a choice fraught with uncertainty.

A Leap of Faith

Rather than abandoning his dreams, Luis decided to contact Gabriela Montero through Facebook Messenger, hoping for guidance. Though they had never met, he was aware of how she had previously assisted musicians from Venezuela in crisis. After an exchange of messages, Montero asked him to send an audio clip of his singing.

Despite limited resources, Luis sent her a recording of “Un’aura amorosa,” an aria from Mozart’s opera “Così fan tutte.” Gabriela and her husband, Irish baritone Sam McElroy, were captivated by his voice, finding it rich and emotive, leading them to decide that they needed to help him.

Recording an Audition

Once the decision was made to assist him, Luis faced the challenge of recording an audition video. Living in Zaraza, he had access to a severely worn-out piano, which couldn’t be tuned for a decent recording. He needed to travel to Caracas to find a suitable venue and equipment.

Community Support

Over two months, Luis tirelessly gathered funds to cover his travel and accommodation costs. His family and friends contributed whatever they could, no matter how small, revealing a remarkable sense of community. When he finally recorded the video, Gabriela and Sam launched a crowdfunding campaign, raising €6,000 in under two months for his trip to Spain for auditions at the Centre de Perfeccionament in Valencia.

A New Chapter Begins

On May 4, 2018, Luis boarded a plane, realizing he might be leaving Venezuela for good. Upon arriving in Barcelona, Gabriela was taken aback at how thin he had become, a stark reminder of the severe hardships he faced. Preparing for his upcoming audition, they hosted a dinner to introduce Luis to their friends. Overwhelmed by the abundance of food, he found himself unable to enjoy it, struck by guilt as he thought of his family back home.

Navigating Auditions

As Luis stepped onto the stage for his audition on May 12, he felt detached and burdened by the weight of his country’s struggles. Gabriela noted that while Luis had undeniable talent, the toll of the crisis on his psyche was evident. Eventually, he secured a scholarship that would allow him two years for study and performance opportunities, despite facing visa challenges.

Settling in Zúrich

Now residing in a cozy apartment in Wetzikon, near Zúrich, Luis enjoys the comforting aroma of Venezuelan dishes lovingly prepared by his wife, Dayana. After completing two years in Dublin, Luis was offered a permanent spot in the opera’s choir in Zurich, reuniting him with Dayana after a lengthy separation due to visa complications.

Acknowledging Gratitude

Together, they reflect on their journey, grateful for the support from their families, friends, and mentors who helped make their dreams possible. As Luis continues to perform, he carries with him the hopes and struggles of those still facing adversity in Venezuela.

Conclusion

The inspiring story of Luis Magallanes illustrates the resilience of a talented artist who overcame significant obstacles to pursue his passion for music. His journey, marked by hardships and triumphs, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring hope found in the pursuit of one’s dreams.

• Luis Magallanes is a Venezuelan tenor now performing in Zurich.
• Through perseverance and help from mentors, he navigated a challenging path to his dream.
• He faced severe economic struggles in Venezuela but remained dedicated to his music.
• His story emphasizes the strength of community and support in overcoming adversity.