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Backstage: Jonathan Tetelman

Born in Chile in 1988, Tetelman grew up in New Jersey and performs at renowned concert halls, demonstrating his skills in what the Süddeutsche Zeitung referred to as a “dark-coloured tenor timbre”. The singer studied baritone at the Manhattan School of Music before switching to tenor at the Mannes College of Music. He received the Opus Klassik 2023 in the Young Artist of the Year category for his debut album.

Portrait of Jonathan Tetelman in front of a wall
Copyright: Ben Wolf

Do you have a special ritual before a performance?

I make sure I get enough sleep, drink enough and take a very light meal. I also try not to speak on the day before a performance and not to drink alcohol 48 hours beforehand.

Do you rather tend to be nervous or more of a show-off on stage?

I try to turn nervousness into passion and enthusiasm.

What things should not be missing backstage?

Water, coffee, a piano and a good atmosphere.

Final applause, off the stage – and then what? What’s the first thing you do after a performance?

Get changed out of my stage clothes and find a restaurant that is still open. I’m usually hungry and still buzzing from the performance.

Who would you like to perform with and why?

I’ll soon be performing with someone I’ve admired since childhood: Bernie Williams, former New York Yankee player and now a professional jazz guitarist. We are preparing a very special concert for our debut at Carnegie Hall. It’s a childhood dream come true!

Jonathan Tetelman and the Baden-Baden Philharmonic Orchestra

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