There is always tension in Spain between Madrid and Catalonia. Now it just happens that the two famous Spanish tenors, Placido Domingo comes from Madrid while Jose Carreras comes from Catalonia. As a result, back in 1984, they became rivals of each other. Each of them demanded that when they are singing, they should never be together in the same opera or concert. However, in 1987 Carreras encountered another fierce rival - leukaemia. Having to undergo many bone-marrow transplants and other medication, even traveling to the USA for special treatments, he also had to reduce his output of work and singing commitments. Even though he was wealthy, these treatments drained his money considerably. At this point he found out that a foundation called Hermosa was set up to help precisely leukaemia patients. And thanks to Hermosa, he was healed and resumed his career. He also desired to join the Hermosa foundation, and while reading the statues of this philanthropic organization, he found out that the founder and main benefactor was Placido Domingo himself. He had founded Hermosa so that his rival-friend could survive, but wanted to remain anonymous. Then something extraordinary happened when Domingo was giving a concert in Madrid. In comes Carreras who interrupted the concert, he knelt down and asked for forgiveness, and thanked Domingo publicly, who in turn lifted Jose up and hugged him tenderly and lovingly. When Placido was asked why he started that foundation when his rival could benefit from it, he answered….”because we could not afford to lose a voice like his from our concert and opera halls.” Hermosa means Beautiful, and certainly this is one of the most beautiful stories you’ll ever hear.
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