Role

:

Conductor  

Birth

:

June 28, 1955 in Elkhart, IN

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Thomas Hampson is a renowned American baritone and classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of opera and art song. Born on June 28, 1955, in Elkhart, Indiana, Hampson grew up in Spokane, Washington, where he developed a passion for music at an early age. His father, Robert Hampson, was a singer and voice teacher, and his mother, Thelma Hampson, was a pianist and organist. Hampson's parents encouraged him to pursue music, and he began taking voice lessons at the age of 14. Hampson attended Eastern Washington University, where he studied voice and music education. He later received a scholarship to attend the Merola Opera Program at the San Francisco Opera, where he made his professional debut in 1981 as the Count in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." Hampson's performance was well-received, and he quickly established himself as a rising star in the opera world. Over the next few years, Hampson performed in a variety of operas, including "Don Giovanni," "La Traviata," and "The Barber of Seville." He also began to gain recognition for his performances of art songs, particularly those by German composers such as Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms. Hampson's rich, warm baritone voice and his ability to convey the emotional depth of the music quickly made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike. In 1986, Hampson made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, playing the role of Count Almaviva in "The Marriage of Figaro." The performance was a huge success, and Hampson became a regular performer at the Met, appearing in productions of "Don Giovanni," "The Magic Flute," and "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg," among others. Hampson's success at the Met led to performances at other major opera houses around the world, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. He also began to record extensively, releasing albums of art songs and opera arias that showcased his versatility and range as a performer. In addition to his work as an opera singer, Hampson has also been a passionate advocate for the art of song. He has worked to promote the performance and appreciation of art songs, particularly those by American composers such as Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber. Hampson has also been involved in educational initiatives, working with young singers and musicians to help them develop their skills and deepen their understanding of classical music. Hampson's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1993, he was awarded the prestigious Richard Tucker Award, which is given annually to an outstanding American opera singer. He has also been awarded the Grand Prix du Disque, the Edison Award, and the Echo Klassik Award, among others. In addition to his work as a performer and advocate for classical music, Hampson has also been involved in philanthropic efforts. He has worked with organizations such as the Heidelberg Festival and the Hampsong Foundation, which he founded in 2003 to promote the performance and study of art songs. Today, Thomas Hampson is considered one of the greatest baritones of his generation. His rich, expressive voice and his commitment to the art of song have made him a beloved performer and a respected figure in the classical music world.

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