Birth

:

January 28, 1933 in Baltimore, MD

Death

:

June 23, 2019 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Opera

 

Spiro Malas is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of opera. Born on September 28, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland, Malas grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father was a Greek immigrant who played the bouzouki, a traditional Greek instrument, and his mother was a singer. Malas was exposed to music from a young age and showed a natural talent for singing. Malas began his formal music education at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, where he studied voice. He later continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree. Malas also studied at the American Opera Center at the Juilliard School, where he honed his skills in opera performance. Malas made his professional debut in 1960, playing the role of Colline in Puccini's "La Bohème" at the New York City Opera. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful voice and commanding stage presence. Malas went on to perform in numerous productions at the New York City Opera, including "The Barber of Seville," "Don Giovanni," and "The Marriage of Figaro." In 1965, Malas made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, playing the role of the Grand Inquisitor in Verdi's "Don Carlo." He went on to perform in many other productions at the Met, including "The Magic Flute," "La Bohème," and "Carmen." Malas was known for his ability to bring depth and emotion to his performances, and he quickly became a favorite among audiences and critics alike. Malas also performed with other major opera companies around the world, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. He worked with some of the most renowned conductors and directors in the industry, including James Levine, Franco Zeffirelli, and Herbert von Karajan. In addition to his work in opera, Malas also had a successful career as a concert singer. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Malas was known for his rich, resonant voice and his ability to convey the emotion and meaning of the music he sang. Malas received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1971, he was awarded the Richard Tucker Award, which is given annually to an outstanding American opera singer. He was also a recipient of the National Opera Institute's Award for Excellence in Opera, and he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1991. Malas retired from performing in 2000, but he continued to be involved in the world of opera as a teacher and mentor. He taught at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music, and he worked with young singers to help them develop their skills and prepare for careers in opera. Spiro Malas passed away on March 23, 2021, at the age of 87. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest opera singers of his generation, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for years to come.

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