Álvaro Chaves Morales: From Tradition to Modernity – Diamond Prize Opera Voice at Castell de Bellver
- WOMCO
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Spanish vocalist Álvaro Chaves Morales, from Mallorca, received the Diamond Prize in the Opera Voice category at the 15th edition of the Universal Stars Music Competition (2025 Season 3). The competition ran from 14 May to 14 August 2025, with results announced on 3 September. His award-winning performance featured a live rendition of Al Carrer on Vius alongside the Banda Municipal de Música de Palma orchestra, recorded at Castell de Bellver.
Could you share the background of your award-winning performance of Al Carrer on Vius, including when and where it took place and the context of the performance?
Álvaro Chaves Morales:
"The performance of Al Carrer on Vius took place at the Castell de Bellver in Palma, during a very special summer concert with the Banda Municipal de Música de Palma. The location itself is iconic: an open-air medieval castle overlooking the city and the sea, which created a magical atmosphere. The award recognized not only the performance, but also the connection between tradition, contemporary crossover singing, and the emotional response from the audience that night."
Could you introduce the song Al Carrer on Vius and share how you approached interpreting this Catalan adaptation on both a personal and artistic level?
Álvaro Chaves Morales:
"Al Carrer on Vius is a Catalan adaptation from Deborah Montserrat, of a very well-known piece that speaks directly about everyday life, identity, and a sense of belonging. For me, singing in Catalan was both an artistic and a personal commitment: I live in Mallorca, and giving voice to the local language and culture is a way to connect with the community. Artistically, I sought to balance respect for the original spirit with my own crossover vocal style, bringing operatic technique together with contemporary colors."
Could you talk to us about your collaboration with the Orchestra of Banda Municipal de Música de Palma at Castell de Bellver, and share any memorable moments from the rehearsals?
Álvaro Chaves Morales:
"Working with the Banda Municipal was a privilege. They are an ensemble with great tradition, and their sound is powerful yet flexible. One memorable moment was during rehearsals, when the orchestration and my voice finally ‘clicked’ in the castle’s acoustics—the music seemed to expand and embrace the walls, as if the space itself became part of the performance. It was goosebumps for all of us."
Could you talk to us about yourself, your journey in music, and your future goals? Could you also share your perspective on what defines a great vocalist in today’s digital age, and what you consider to be the most significant artistic or professional challenges facing vocalists today and in the coming years?
Álvaro Chaves Morales:
"I was born in Madrid and studied in Mallorca, where I completed my advanced degree in Voice. Over the years, I have performed in opera, zarzuela, musicals, and crossover projects, always trying to build bridges between classical singing and contemporary audiences. My goal is to expand internationally, creating productions that can resonate both in theatres and on digital platforms.
In today’s digital age, a great vocalist must not only have technical excellence and emotional depth, but also versatility and the ability to communicate beyond the stage—through recordings, videos, and social media. The challenge is to remain authentic and artistically demanding while adapting to an environment that often values speed and visibility over depth."
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you’d like to thank?
Álvaro Chaves Morales:
"Participating in your competition (Universal Stars Music Competition) was a very positive experience: it gave me an international platform to share my work and opened new connections. I am especially grateful to the Banda Municipal de Palma for their artistry, to the cultural institutions in Mallorca that support local artists, and to my family—because behind every performance there is always the support and patience of those closest to you.”
Biography
Álvaro Chaves Morales (Madrid, 1985) is a Spanish crossover tenor based in Mallorca, where he combines an active career as a performer, teacher, and cultural entrepreneur.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Voice from the Conservatori Superior de les Illes Balears (2021), a Master’s Degree in Live Performance (2019), a Diploma in Music Education (2007), and complementary training in live sound and stage management. He has enriched his artistic development through masterclasses and courses with renowned teachers in voice, conducting, and vocal technique.
As a singer, Álvaro has performed leading roles in opera and zarzuela, as well as in concerts and recitals across Spain. His versatility allows him to move fluidly between classical repertoire, musicals, and popular crossover programs. He has collaborated with institutions such as the Fundació Teatre Principal de Palma, Euroclàssics, and the Liceu Choir of Barcelona, and has been a soloist in concerts of special relevance in theatres, auditoriums, and festivals.
In addition to his career as a performer, Álvaro is the founder and artistic director of the cultural association Optimus Artística, where he develops projects that combine performance, teaching, and artistic management. He also directs choirs and ensembles, organizes workshops and masterclasses, and promotes innovative productions that bring classical and crossover music closer to wider audiences.
Álvaro is recognized for his powerful and expressive voice, his refined stage presence, and his ability to create bridges between tradition and modernity in today’s music scene.