Spanish-American conductor François López-Ferrer is experiencing a milestone moment in his international operatic career as he takes on one of his most significant challenges yet: his debut on the podium of Madrid’s Teatro Real, conducting two performances of Giuseppe Verdi’s Il trovatore on July 4 and 15. In an exclusive interview with Ópera Actual—Spain’s most prestigious specialized lyric music magazine and a benchmark for the operatic world since 1991—López-Ferrer shares his artistic vision and reflects on his personal journey.
This debut represents an emotional return to his Spanish roots and a deeply personal reconnection with the legacy of his father, the legendary conductor Jesús López Cobos, who left a profound mark on the Madrid opera house:
“His influence was not that of an imposing master, but that of a daily example of honesty, love for a job well done, and an absolute respect for the musicians and singers. His way of understanding the craft—with humility, tireless study, and dignity—is the compass that guides every step I take.”
Regarding his role in the pit and his relationship with the cast, López-Ferrer highlights the invaluable experience gained during his time at the Paris Opera Academy:
“Opera is not just technique; it is flexibility, shared breathing, and psychology. That very close contact taught me to understand the capacities and needs of each voice; to know when to guide and when to give freedom so that the drama flows organically.”
Read the complete interview (in Spanish).