The Opera News Awards 2011
In 2005 the Opera News Awards were created to confer honours on acclaimed artists in the world of classical music. This year the award ceremony will take place on April 17th at the Plaza Hotel in New York and will be co-hosted by Patti LuPone and the mezzo soprano Stephanie Blythe. Five of the greatest exponents of classical music will be lauded and applauded at the ceremony.
Whilst there are some highly talented and respected artists in popular music there is a tendency to lift some artists to overnight fame instantly followed by total obscurity. Not so in the world of classical music. There is a permanence to classical music. The bar is set high and those who achieve fame and recognition are unforgettable. They do indeed become "legends" and "icons"
This year the distinguished recipients include:
The tenor Jonas Kaufmann who has been described as intense, hypnotic, passionate at once powerful and then tender in his unique interpretations of Schubert, Beethoven, Wagner and Mozart. His is a beautiful voice with incredible depth and range. The richness of his voice is quite sublime on his CD "Verismo" http://www.find-cd.co.uk/cds/B003XT8Y3K-Jonas-Kaufmann-Verismo.htm and on 11th April the Jonas Kaufman-Puccini-Tosca [DVD] [2011] by Puccini will be released. http://www.find-cd.co.uk/cds/B004O5N3QU-Puccini-Jonas-Kaufmann--Puccini--Tosca-DVD-2011.htm available now to pre-order.
The incomparable conductor Riccardo Muti who has thrilled audiences in opera houses across the world is also honoured at the Opera News Awards. Watching Muti conduct is an unparalled joy. He is totally at one with the composer, with understated, calm movements which draw the musicians and singers along with him into the very heart of the music. This extraordinary composer is currently musical director with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. His interpretation and love for the music of Verdi, in particular, can be enjoyed and appreciated in this latest recording
http://www.find-cd.co.uk/cds/B003WL7EJE-Verdi-Verdi-Messa-Da-Requiem-Frittoli-Borodina-Zeffiri-AddrazakovCSOMuti-GRAMMY-AWARD-WINNER-2011.htm
The soprano Patricia Racette has sung with top orchestras in major opera houses. She is an admirable exponent of Verdi and Puccini and she received rave reviews for her magnificent Tosca in 2010. Her voice is rich yet smooth and expressive and she has considerable dramatic ability. For several years music critics have queried why it appeared this singer was apparently so underrated and unappreciated. The award which will be conferred at the Opera News Awards will be a fitting acknowledgement of this highly talented soprano.
http://www.find-cd.co.uk/cds/B004ECFW7Q-Patrick-Summers-Patricia-Racette-Marcello-Giordani-Puccini-Madama-Butterfly-Metropolitan-Opera-DVD-2009.htm
Bryn Terfel, the Welsh bass-baritone, whose rich, resounding voice is now widely associated with Wagner. On stage he is a towering character and he is a remarkable actor, who obviously gets intense satisfaction from the enjoyment and involvement of his audience.
Terfel is a versatile artist. His work is by no means exclusively opera and audiences have delighted in his performances of popular music and show songs. His full range is exquisitely demonstrated in his recording of arias
http://www.find-cd.co.uk/cds/B000001GP8-Bryn-Terfel-Bryn-Terfel--Opera-Arias.htm
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is long established opera sing. From Maori songs to Mozart to Strauss her smooth pure voice is instantly recognisable. Her singing sounds effortless, the sign of a true performer, technically perfect, but always sensitive. She is now 67 but her voice has lost none of its warmth and generosity. Her contribution to classical music is well rewarded with the Opera News Award.
http://www.find-cd.co.uk/cds/B003MTGW7Q-Kiri-Te-Kanawa-Kiri-te-Kanawa-sings-Mozart-and-Strauss.htm