German opera star urges authorities to reopen concert halls, be inventive to revive the arts

'This is the first time that music is been silenced in a time of crisis,' says Kaufmann, posing after his performance at the Teatro Real in Madrid on Jan 14. Photo: AFP

German operatic tenor Jonas Kaufmann says not being able to perform in front of a live audience for months has been hugely detrimental for musicians who thrive on connecting with real people.

"What we miss is this connection and it doesn't matter if they wear masks or whatever," said the 51-year-old on Thursday after performing at Madrid's Teatro Real opera house.