„Passion, Drama and Cojones“

 

The Velvet Rocks are the three opera singers, Gustavo Castillo Estrada, Dmitry Iogman and Sandro Schmalzl..

Taking the passion and drama of an opera aria and unleashing it onto a rock anthem - that's what The Velvet Rocks is all about.

 

Gustavo (bass-baritone) studied classical singing in Mexico and Munich where he met Sandro (tenor) at the music conservatory. They became friends and together began dreaming of creating a project that would combine rock music and opera in in a way that has never been heard before.

 

After having performed on countless classical tours and on many opera stages around the world, Gustavo and Sandro heard Dmitry sing at a rehearsal. Dmitry is a Russian/American tenor who was on the lookout for his next adventure after having worked with the likes of Placido Domingo, the opera in Tampa, the opera in Lyon etc.

 

The three quickly sensed what a perfect match they make! It was the birth of 

The Velvet Rocks.

 

Gustavo, Sandro and Dmitry dare to break down boundaries with their unique sound. They strive to create something new with rock songs we all know but have never heard like this before. They still perform at operas and recitals, but the time has come for them to break free from the classical guidelines, where the singer is often limited in shaping a piece or a role.

 

The Velvet Rocks are all about paying tribute to both of their favorite musical styles. They believe there are not that many differences between an opera singer in the middle of a gut wrenching aria and a rock star belting at the top of his lungs.

 

The word „rock“ in the band’s name doesn´t only come from rock music. It also symbolises the earth and the ground they stand on when they sing and create music. The shapes, sounds and impressions of nature are some of their biggest inspirations and protecting our planet is a mission that Gustavo, Sandro and Dmitry share aside from singing. Their natural inner sound, their velvet voices, have helped them through tough times and the crazy corona pandemic and has led the way to their next big highlight - The Velvet Rocks were the opening act for the amazing Joss Stone in August 2021.

 

The Velvet Rocks describe themselves as a classical crossover band with „Passion, Drama and Cojones“.