Katherine Jenkins / Katherine Jenkins Forum / Other Artists and Bands / Gardar Thor Cortes / Latest Posts

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Keithmc — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:34:05 GMT

Hi Yoos,

well when I started this thread, even being a huge supporter of Gardar Thor Cortes I would have given very long odds on me goin over to Iceland(Farmfoods or Cooltrader maybe!) to see our maestro. Guess wha Sarah....yep I was allowed into Iceland, and had the utmost pleasure of seein Gardar playing the lead role of Rodolfo in La Boheme at that most incredible building, called 'The Harpa'. This place will be spoken of in the same breath architecturally as the Sydney Mussells in the very near future!

In my mind the role of Rodolfo is a tricky one coz there's always the Rolando Villazon and Anna Netrebko version to compare with, which is a little above sublime! The performance was nonethe less awesome, with Gardar doin Che Galina Manina' with aplom. The second half saw Gardar's acting prowess come to the fore, dealing with angst and pain to a level challenging the lachrymal glands of all present. I know Gardar played the lead male role in L'Elisir D'Amore and the Magic Flute at this venue(pre Easy Jet), but the anguish probably came from a much earlier performances in the must loved series, in Iceland and Germany anyway, 'Noni & Manni'. Bareback horse riding as a prepubesant and having to deal with angry polar bears and grumpy whales seems to have been the right grounding for one of the finest Opera Tenors.

Love & Hugs,

See Ya,

Keith Mc.

xx xx

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 17:27:04 GMT

VOTE FOR GARDAR

Found the following

Please spare a moment to click or copy and paste on the following websiteto vote for Gardar to sing at the Olympics.

He is a UK citizen and I cannot understand why he was not selected in the first place! Please use his full name of Gardar Thor Cortes.

It would also be a great help if you could foward this message to as many people as possible on your e mail list.

Many thanks

http://www.the-top-tens.com/lists/singers-perform-london-olympics-opening-ceremonies-2.asp

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

SarahM — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 13:32:50 GMT

Would like to wish Gardar every success tonight singing Rudolfo in La Boheme.

I see from his own site that a number of people from the UK will be there is Reykjavik. Wish I was!

Gardar - hurry up back to the UK soon

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

kelyclrk — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 11:06:44 GMT

That was indeed an best album of Katherine Jenkins u have ever heard. I would love to hear more of her latest albums

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:51:58 GMT

Hi Keith and everyone

Photos from the Fairfield Hall, Croydon concert now on www.gardarthorcortes.me.uk

Not that I wish to wish the time away but it is getting very close to visiting Iceland.

Gardar's first performance as Rudolfo in La Boheme at The Harpa. Reykjavik is on 17th March

Meanwhile Gardar has been nominated for an annual Icelandic Music Award for his performance last year as Prince Tamino in The Magic Flute.

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Keithmc — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:08:35 GMT

Hi there Yoos Forum Buddies,

well good things come to those who wait!!!

It was truely wonderful to see Gardar Cortes performing once again on our shores.

It really was a stunning concert, the selection, although small, allowing Gardar to show levels of diversity in his range and also production of those wonderful notes in new ways.

Having said that, La Donne Mobile as an opener was awesome; no quiet arias to start, no 'I'm the star yoos cant show your tonsils till the second half' ( CHEERS our Lesley you're a good 'un!!!xxx)

The whole experience was sublime, Lesley was obviously thinking of Valentine's Day, with the wonderful 'Milk Tray' dress to start and the 'Roses' dress to follow a bite later. Her voice was dynamic and pleasing and to conclude the triumpherant a quite wonderful Baritone by the name of Nicholas Folwell, emitting gloriously rich bournville notes belying his small stature.

I was pleased to meet up with 'Londoner' along with other 'Usual Suspects' from our small but very happy band. I also managed a quick word with Russell, although I didnt know about his suggestion of meeting up prior to the concert as I'd avoided this thread as I' d been warned he'd posted details of the itinery and I always prefer to be ignorant prior to a performance, which is very easily done. Anyway I managed a quick hello and handshake prior to the commencement of the second half(I did try and meet up with him and other KJ Forum members at the Royal Albert Hall but couldn't find the right bar!!!)

See Yoos Soon,

Keith Mc.

p.s.(did I mention I'm off to Iceland to see our maestro in the lead role of Rodolfo in La Boheme? Keep it quiet, I dont want the border guards gettin any advance notice. Mums the word.)

p.p.s.'that wonderful tenor from Iceland' is ok but I prefer 'Britains greatest tenor', as Gardar has dual nationality, and any objective assesment would surely hang this honoured mantle from his broad shoulders.

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:53:26 GMT

Sorry I missed meeting you -have to round up 30 people coming from all directions

Wonderful concert - we all felt we could have sat through it again.

Please pass on to all your colleagues.

Btw I sat in the part of the rehearsal with an assistant as we look after Gardar! Hope you enjoyed his contribution too.

As you may have seen in previous message Gardar is starting rehearsals tomorrow for Rudolfo in La Boheme

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

RUSSELL GILBERT — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:57:07 GMT

Those of you coming to the concert at Fairfield Hall, I shall be in the foyer bar at 6.45pm and will be delighted to meet forum members from both camps!

See you there.

Russell.

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:27:05 GMT

If you haven't already bought your tickets for the Royal Philharmonic, Lesley Garett, GardarThor Cortes concert on 7th February at 7.30pm at Fairfield Halls Croydon, I have two tickets due to two friends unable to attend through illness.

Please e mail on jrgirsman@talktalk.net if interested.

Many thanks

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:45:05 GMT

Gardar will be performing the role of Rudolfo in La Boheme on 17th March and 1st April at the magnificent new Harpa concert hall in Rekjavik.

The box office is now open and given the usual high price of opera tickets, I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised.

www.harpa.is click on the right hand corner for an English version of the site.

www.gardarthorcortes.me.uk

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:34:23 GMT

If you haven't bought your tickets for 8th February yet,Fairfield Halls box office tell me that there are not that many left!

Quite a contingent going from www.gardarthorcortes.me.com

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:49:18 GMT

Ah but some people rather like Brindisi - to say the least. :-)

Quite a contingent going from the Gardar Thor Cortes forum www.gardarthorcortes.me

See you there

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

RUSSELL GILBERT — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:41:19 GMT

Yes I knew that, but I never post encores as it spoils the element of surprise.

Russell.

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:39:06 GMT

Hi Russell

Inside information! They will be singing Brindisi(La Traviata) at the end. Great finish.

See you there.

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

RUSSELL GILBERT — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:35:13 GMT

I shall be playing in the Croydon concert, so come and say hello.
Here are the details.

Philip ELLIS Lesley Garrett Gardar Thor Cortes Nicholas Folwell

MOZART The Marriage of Figaro: Overture
MOZART The Marriage of Figaro: Non pin Andrai
MOZART The Magic Flute: Pa Pa Pa
VERDI I vespri siciliani: Merce, dilette amiche
VERDI Rigoletto: La donna e mobile
DVORAK Rusalka: Song to the Moon
TCHAIKOVSKY Eugene Onegin: Polonaise
BIZET Carmen: Toreador’s Song
BIZET Carmen: Flower Song
BIZET Carman: Habanera
BIZET Beat Out Dat Rhythm (Chanson Boheme)
ROSSINI The Barber of Seville: Overture
PUCCINI Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
VERDI La Traviata: Parigi o cara
GIORDANO Andrea Chenier: Nemico della Patria
PUCCINI Turandot: Nessun dorma
CILEA Adriana Lecouvrer: Ecco…Io son l’umile nacelle
TCHAIKOVSKY arr. Hazel None But the Lonely Heart
WAGNER Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Overture
BIZET The Pearl Fishers: Au fond du temple saint
BORODIN And This is my Beloved
LEHAR Gypsy Fiddlers Playing

Russell.

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

SarahM — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:46 GMT

Just in case you haven't seen there is a new message from Gardar on the forum www.gardarthorcortes.me.com.

He has written about The Magic Flute and concerts in Iceland until Christmas and then on to Croydon at the Fairfield Halls on 8th February,

The forum is worth a look

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:58:09 GMT

I'm just back from a visit to Reykjavik where I was fortunate enough to see Mozart's The Magic Flute at the new modern Harpa concert hall/theatre. Beautiful architecture

An enchanting preformance, interesting colourful futuristic costumes by Icelnad's equivilent to Vivienne Westwood changing modern backdrops on an open stage.

Gardar was on top form as Prince Tamino with his clear distinctive lyrical tenor and emotional acting(the latter sometimes missing in some opera singers). Other members of the cast made the whole experience a very enjoyable evening which I could have easily sat through again.

A mention to the chorus of mini Mozart's in suitable whigs and attires who moved props and generally contributed to the production

Two more performances on 25th and 26th Noivember

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:52:21 GMT

Good Reports on Gardar singing Tamino in the Magic Flute at the new magnificent Harpa concert/theatre hall in Reykjavik on his own website.

I am looking forward to seeing the performance on 12th November

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

SarahM — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:49:28 GMT

I hope they haven't sold out the tickets for Croydon, would love to see Gardar sing live again. Anyone else going?

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 15:04:55 GMT

25th Phantom at Royal Albert Hall last night went off with several bangs!

Now for the cinema showing tonight

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:39:22 GMT

Pleased to see that next Sunday evening's performance of the 25th anniversary of Phantom of the Opera is going to be shown at 250 cinemas around the country. Ticket prices at the Royal Albert Hall are outrageous!!!!! :-(

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 14:21:57 GMT

Gardar has been invited together with other former cast members, to take part in the 25th anniversary concert of Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall - perfromances on 1st and 2nd October.

Rehearsals are in progress.

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:03:22 GMT

Gardar will be singing at the Fairfield Halls, Croydon, Surrey on 8th February, 2012 as the special guest of Lesley Garrett and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tickets on sale now.

Please see www.gardarthorcortes.me.uk for any further details

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Keithmc — Fri, 27 May 2011 22:53:30 GMT

Hi Sarah,

well you seem trustworthy, so I've finally posted Gardar Cortes's CD issued in Iceland only, to you. This was issued prior to his first general release CD, aptly called 'Cortes' and contains 3 or4 songs that differ from main one. Enjoy!

I know the above is historical, but rest assured Cortes is in fine fetal and enjoying fatherhood. I understand he will be busy in the autumn(singing not changing nappies), but as things are I've got to KGS (keep gob shut) until everything is finalised. Rest assured I'll keep yoos all up to date at the earliest opportunity.

Love and Hugs,

See Yoos,

Keith Mc.

xx xx

p.s. have you seen/heard the recent Cortes items on U Tube?

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

SarahM — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 01:02:51 GMT

I've been listening to the Cortes two CD's and hope the new one hs much of the same mixture though it would be nice for him to include something from some of the musicals that he has done in concert.

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:28:05 GMT

New message from Gardar on his forum talking about planning a new CD :D:D:P

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

SarahM — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:16:41 GMT

Just caught up with this one too on You Tube. What an amazing voice!:D

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:03:21 GMT

Another new one just arrived on YOu Tube

Gardar singing Bring Him Home from Les Miserables.

A very sensitive and thoughful version

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

SarahM — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:00:39 GMT

Thanks Londoner .

Any info on Gardar always welcome.

The video is great. Gardar should be given the part in Love Never Dies. Missed him when he played Roual in Phantom at Her Majesty's but a friend of mine saw it some years ago.

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Londoner — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:04:09 GMT

Hi everyone - have been told about this Forum by Keith :D

A bit of news. New video of Gardar on You Tube.

Till I hear You Sing from Love Never Dies recorded at the Iceland Opera.

Do have a look and enjoy!:)

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Keithmc — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:56:21 GMT

Hi Yoos,

not loads to report, but Sarah yoos was right, a lovely son added to the ensemble.

The news on the new CD is still good given the economic climate. Still going full steam ahead, minor delays ignored. The great news is that song with the 9 or 12 top C's, which Gardar performed at Hyde Park may well be in there!(Yes I'm a philistine, so I don't remember what it's called). I'm just proving you don't have to be a Classical Music Nut to appreciate a great voice!!

Love and Hugs,

Keith.

xx xx xx

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

SarahM — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 22:48:20 GMT

One of the Iceland newspapers is running a pole for the Icelander of 2010.

You can vote for Gardar (who else) on

http://www.pressan.is/Frettir/LesaFrett/hver-er-islendingur-arsins--lesendur-pressunnar-velja-einstaklinginn-annad-arid-i-rod

Just click on the link before the word "her" (Here)

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

SarahM — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:15:58 GMT

Hi yoos Keith

What's this crytic clue about singing lullabies?

I only had to have a peep at Gardar's forum and found an announcement that he is taking a short break due to the birth of his and his wife Tinna's new son. We call it paterinity leave just like the leader of the Labour Party at the moment. :)

Congrats to them both.

Sarah

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Keithmc — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 19:23:03 GMT

Hi gals,

well my Katrinas and Sarah, you know am always putting my foot in it, but always try to keep you up to date from afar,,,,,,,,,

well Gardar is currently singing Brahms, Lullaby,,,,

sorry for the bad news. I cant say more coz I'm sure to be in trouble after this entry!!!

Keep supportin Cortes,

Love and Hugs,

Keith Mc.

xx xx xx

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

SarahM — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:04:37 GMT

Hi Keith

INside information?????? Post the news as soon as! You are obviously in the know.

There's a new concert/conference hall opening in Reykjavik in June - wonder if that has anything to do with a concert ?

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Keithmc — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 22:55:13 GMT

Err well,

Chasping may have noticed a plastic scouser, but then again I never pretended to be one.

On the Cortes front, who's this Sarah by the way, having started this thread, and having sum inside info, I would like MillyMollyMandy to be the Number 2 Cortes supporter after myself. Sarah I love your keeness, and hope it will continue.

This year I loved seeing Cortes in Galway and Dublin and was rather gutted by missing Germany and the wonderful production of L'ESLIR D'AMOUR, in his homeland, when Gardar was awesome.

I really want to see our mentor in his home city.

Keith Mc

(Inside possible info ;

June - concert in Reyjkavic,

New CD on the way ???????????? I told you first!!!!!!!!!?????

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

SarahM — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 11:12:06 GMT

Interesting thread on Gardar's Forum asking for song sugggestions for Gardar to sing.

Hope this might mean a new CD. Very much overdue.

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

SarahM — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 17:13:21 GMT

I was looking for new ringtones for my mobile - bored with present ones and found quite a few tracks on i tunes of Gardars'. There was also four tracks in Icelandic that I had not heard before nor were they on his two CD's .

Does anyone have any more info?

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

SarahM — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:30:43 GMT

Hi everyone

I keep meaning to post that Gardar's website is www.gardarthorcortes.me.uk.

Apparently this was started after the collapse of his Icelandic backed management and his previous recording company as well as previous websites. There isn't much activity yet but does keep track of Gardar's latest concerts and activities.

RE: Gardar Thor Cortes

Katrina — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:42:11 GMT

John p -----"Nice to hear from Gardar, one of the nicest guys in the business"

Yes- John- I totally agree- I have had the great pleasure of meeting Gardar when he signed a CD for me at one of his concerts- he spent a long time chatting easily with a long queue of people who all wanted to speak with him- and he has a great sense of humour too!! :)

PS Your cats- I have one just like them- triplets perhaps- or just partners in crime????????? :hehe: