Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

March 11, 1959 in Covina, CA

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

Rodney Gilfry is a renowned American baritone opera singer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on March 12, 1960, in Covina, California, Gilfry grew up in a musical family. His father was a church choir director, and his mother was a pianist. Gilfry started singing at a young age and was encouraged by his parents to pursue a career in music. Gilfry attended California State University, Fullerton, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance. He then went on to study at the University of Southern California, where he received a Master of Music degree in vocal performance. During his time at USC, Gilfry was a member of the USC Chamber Singers and the USC Opera Theatre. After completing his studies, Gilfry began his professional career as a member of the Los Angeles Master Chorale. He also performed with the Los Angeles Opera and the San Francisco Opera. In 1989, Gilfry made his European debut at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera in England, where he performed the role of Guglielmo in Mozart's "Così fan tutte." Gilfry's career took off in the 1990s, and he became a sought-after performer in the world of opera. He performed at some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. Gilfry's repertoire includes a wide range of roles, from Mozart's Figaro in "The Marriage of Figaro" to the title role in Benjamin Britten's "Billy Budd." One of Gilfry's most notable performances was his portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in André Previn's opera "A Streetcar Named Desire." The opera premiered at the San Francisco Opera in 1998, and Gilfry's performance was widely praised by critics. The New York Times called his performance "riveting" and "powerful." Gilfry has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1996, he was awarded the Richard Tucker Award, which is given annually to an American singer who is on the verge of a major international career. He has also been awarded the Beverly Sills Artist Award, the Opera News Award, and the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation Award. In addition to his work in opera, Gilfry has also performed in concert and recital settings. He has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Gilfry has also recorded several albums, including "Rodney Gilfry Sings Cole Porter" and "Arias and Barcarolles." Gilfry is also a dedicated educator and has taught at several universities, including the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles. He has also served as a mentor to young singers through the Domingo-Thornton Young Artist Program at the Los Angeles Opera. In conclusion, Rodney Gilfry is a highly respected and accomplished baritone opera singer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Gilfry's legacy as a performer and educator will continue to inspire future generations of classical musicians.

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