Country

:

Mexico

Birth

:

February 22, 1972 in Mexico City, Mexico

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Rolando Villazón is a Mexican tenor who has become one of the most celebrated classical music artists of his generation. Born on February 22, 1972, in Mexico City, Villazón grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a singer and his mother was a pianist, and they encouraged him to pursue his passion for music from a young age. Villazón began his formal music education at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City, where he studied piano and voice. He later continued his studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Austria, where he trained under the renowned vocal coach Margreet Honig. In 1999, Villazón made his professional debut as an opera singer in a production of Mozart's "Don Giovanni" at the Salzburg Festival in Austria. His performance was met with critical acclaim, and he quickly became known for his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Over the next few years, Villazón continued to perform in major opera houses and concert halls around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. He also collaborated with some of the most respected conductors and musicians in the classical music world, including Daniel Barenboim, Plácido Domingo, and Anna Netrebko. One of Villazón's most notable performances came in 2005, when he starred in a production of Jules Massenet's "Manon" at the Royal Opera House in London. His portrayal of the character Des Grieux was widely praised, and he received a standing ovation from the audience. In addition to his work as an opera singer, Villazón has also released several albums of classical music and popular songs. His 2007 album "Cielo e mar" was a commercial success, and he has since released several other albums that showcase his versatility as a performer. Throughout his career, Villazón has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the classical music world. In 2002, he was named "Best Newcomer" at the Echo Klassik Awards in Germany, and he has since won several other awards from the organization. He has also been honored by the Mexican government for his contributions to the arts, and he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2013. Despite his success, Villazón has faced some challenges in his career. In 2007, he was forced to cancel several performances due to vocal problems, and he later underwent surgery to correct a cyst on his vocal cords. He has since recovered and returned to performing, but he has spoken openly about the importance of taking care of one's voice and avoiding overwork. Today, Villazón continues to perform and record music, and he remains one of the most beloved and respected classical music artists of his generation. His passion for music and his dedication to his craft have made him a role model for aspiring musicians around the world, and his legacy is sure to endure for many years to come.

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