American baritone, Thomas Hampson, international opera star, recitalist, recording artist, and passionate advocate of American poetry set to music, has sung leading baritone roles in all the major opera houses in Europe and America. Hampson returns to the US for a series of high-profile concerts, recitals and a company role debut at the Metropolitan Opera this spring, all featuring signature repertoire.
He collaborates for the first time with conductor Gustavo Dudamel, with whom he will perform Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarer sung in the original German, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic next week, Friday, January 13, 14 and 15, 2012 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The concert also features Swedish soprano Miah Persson in the second part of the program, as soloist in Mahler's Symphony #4.
Celebrated by critics and audience for the seductive warmth and polish of his rich baritone voice, astonishing range of repertoire and lyrical high notes, Thomas Hampson is that rare blend of artist possessing everything a star needs: charisma, charm, matinee idol good looks along with intelligent artistry, and rock-solid technique. With his vocal gifts, and ability to communicate to audiences complex poetry and music, he is a highly sought after interpreter of Mahler’s vocal music.
Long regarded as the premier interpreter of the songs of Gustav Mahler (1860-1911), Thomas Hampson has dedicated much of 2010/2011 to performing in concerts devoted to Mahler's music, appearing this past season with some of the worlds foremost orchestras and conductors in more than 50 international concerts.
Our own Gustavo Dudamel’s commitment to Mahler’s music is well known. Next weeks concert, Friday, Jan. 13, opens the Mahler Project – a month long celebration of the composer’s hundredth anniversary birthday.
Mahler’s deeply moving Songs of a Wayfarer (Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen) for low voice and orchestra, are four poems (written by Mahler himself) about the experiences of life and love. It is an ideal vehicle for the talents of Hampson and Dudamel to collaborate on for the first time.
With the gorgeous voice and artistry of Thomas Hampson combined with the passionate virtuosity of Gustavo Dudamel conducting the LA Philharmonic, this promises to be a special event that you don't want to miss. In the comfort and superb acoustics of the Walt Disney Hall, music lovers both old and young will have an ideal opportunity to experience and hear Mahler's music, performed by a rare combination of exceptional artists.
For more about Thomas Hampson, or his new online interactive website dedicated to american poetry set to music see: www.SongofAmerica.net, and www. Hampsing.com.
For tickets to next weeks performances, see www.laphil.com.
THE MAHLER PROJECT: Mahler 4 Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA
Friday, January 13, 2012, 8:00PM
- Other Performances:
- Saturday, January 14, 2012, 8:00PM (Saturday Evening 2)
- Sunday, January 15, 2012, 2:00PM (Sunday 1)
- Artists:
- Los Angeles Philharmonic
- Gustavo Dudamel, conductor
- Thomas Hampson, baritone
- Miah Persson, soprano
Program:Mahler: Songs of a Wayfarer Mahler: Symphony No. 4
Walt Disney Concert Hall (Map/Directions)
111 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
323.850.2000
Thomas Hampson, Baritone Gustavo Dudamel, Conductor (below)
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