José Alvarez Stelling

José Alvarez Stelling and his family are long-term supporters of Garsington Opera. In 2014, the Alvarez Young Artists Programme was launched. 

Originally from Venezuela, José Alvarez was the Chairman and CEO of Banco Consolidado which grew to become a major financial institution in the country while under his stewardship. His career in the industry spanned nearly three decades and he held many high-profile banking advisory roles.

José Alvarez Stelling's long-standing commitment to the arts first took shape when he founded Fundación Banco Consolidado and the Centro Cultural Consolidado, a centre for the arts which was housed within the headquarters of Banco Consolidado. It quickly became one of Venezuela’s most widely known exhibition centres, hosting visual arts and musical events and, over the years, many international exhibitions showcased the works of Rodin, Miró, Juan Gris, Dali, Picasso and Chillida there. Accomplished Venezuelan artists were a constant presence at the Centro Cultural which was regarded as a great source of support and promotion for new names in the arts throughout the region.

In addition to the Centro, José Alvarez Stelling's Fundación Consolidado ran many other successful projects and was well-respected for its association with choral music, sports promotion and environmental conservation.

In recognition of his many professional achievements and dedication to supporting artistic and educational initiatives, José Alvarez Stelling was made a Knight of the Order of Malta, received the Encomienda de Isabel la Católica from the King of Spain and is a holder of the B’nai B’rith International Award for Human Rights.