There are a ton of great Spanish artists throughout the history of opera. Juan Pons is one of them. 

Born in Ciutadella, Spain on August 8, 1946, Pons (or Joan Pons Álvarez as he was born), would really kickstart his career in the 1980s when he made his international debut at La Scala.

That kicked off a career that featured prominent showcases at the Metropolitan Opera (where he appeared more than 330 times, as well as the Vienna State Opera, the Opéra de Paris, the Arena di Verone, and, of course, the Gran Teatre del Liceu. 

Major Roles

Pons specialized in the Italian repertoire, specifically in the operas of Verdi. The title role in “Falstaff” proved a major warhorse for him, specifically, the opera with which he launched his international career. But he was also a major force in other works such as “Aida,” “Un Ballo in Maschera,” “Nabucco,” “Rigoletto,” and “La Forza del Destino,” among others. 

Read More on Pons

A Look at the rare Operas He Championed

Watch and Listen

Here is a look at Pons in “Andrea Chénier.”

And as with many great Spanish singers, Pons was a champion of Zarzuela. Here is a recital album filled with Spanish treasures.