This is an introduction to an indepth interview, with the great American baritone and international opera singer, Thomas Hampson.
The Mahler Project opens tonight, Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, with Thomas Hampson, American baritone and international opera star, singing in Mahler’s poignent song cycle, Songs of a Wayfarer, with Gustavo Dudamel conducting the LA Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. These opening concerts (Jan. 13 -15) are completely sold out. This will be the first time that Hampson and Dudamel, both highly regarded as Mahler interpreters will be performing together, and promises to be a special event for those lucky enough to get a seat!
During our in-depth interview, he shared that he was looking forward to working with Dudamel, "one of the most exciting and talented of the young musicians today".
The amazing thing about talking with Thomas Hampson during our recent 90 minute conversation (to be shared in subsequent articles) is how eloquently he communicates what inspires and motivates him as a human being, singer, and visionary entrepreneur.
Though he doesn’t feel that singing vastly different repertoire “comes easily to anyone”, the ability to “transverse repertoire” as he put it, seems to be evident in the types of repertoire he regularly performs each season. Only days earlier, he had been half way around the world at the Zurich Opera, Switzerland, performing to great acclaim what is considered one of opera’s quintessential “bad guys" and tour de force roles, that of Iago in Verdi’s Opera “Otello".
The last time I’d seen Hampson was many years ago, when we were both singing at the Zurich Oper, Switzerland. Meeting him for the interview this week, just a few days before he was to perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hampson appeared as charming and handsome as ever, as if time had barely touched him.
Aside from an intense performing schedule that he successfully maintains with opera companies and symphonies around the world, we spoke about the activities of his non-profit musical foundation, www.Hampsong.org, it's affiliate website: www.SongofAmerica.net, and the launch of a 13-Week "Song of America" Radio Series, syndicated by WFMT Radio Network, to radio stations across the U.S.
In these innovative and new musical programs, (airing soon on our radio station: KUSC 91.5, Saturday nights at 8 p.m.) Hampson as host, guides listeners to discover our shared history as Americans, in songs he has selected that express what he calls, "the diary of America".
interview, to be continued --- in articles by this reporter
For more information: www.ThomasHampson.com, and www.SongofAmerica.net.
Comments