Placido Domingo

Placido Domingo
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Name	Placido Domingo
Caption	Domingo in 2012
Birth date	1941-01-21
Birth place	Madrid, Spain
Occupation	Opera singer, conductor, arts administrator
Years active	1957–present

Placido Domingo is a Spanish operatic tenor, conductor, and arts administrator renowned for a vast repertoire spanning Italian, French, German, and Spanish opera. He rose to international prominence through performances at major houses including Teatro Real, La Scala, Metropolitan Opera, Gran Teatre del Liceu, and the Royal Opera House. Over a career that bridges performing, conducting, and management, he has engaged with institutions such as the Washington National Opera, Los Angeles Opera, and festivals like Glyndebourne Festival Opera and the Salzburg Festival.

Early life and education

Born in Madrid to musically inclined parents, Domingo moved as a child to Mexico City where his family lived after the Spanish Civil War. He studied working in the opera chorus and received practical training at organizations including the Bellas Artes theaters and with teachers associated with Conservatorio Nacional de Música (Mexico). Early influences included performances of repertory by composers such as Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, Georges Bizet, and Joaquín Rodrigo, while he collaborated with conductors and directors connected to venues like the Palacio de Bellas Artes and companies such as the Ópera de Bellas Artes.

Operatic career and repertoire

Domingo's rise involved debuts at regional houses before breakthrough appearances at the Teatro Colón, Opernhaus Zürich, and major debuts at the Metropolitan Opera and La Scala. His repertoire embraced leading tenor roles in operas by Giuseppe Verdi (for example roles in Aida (opera), Il trovatore), Giacomo Puccini (including Tosca, Madama Butterfly), Gioachino Rossini (such as Il barbiere di Siviglia), and Charles Gounod (including Faust). He became noted for Verdi heldentenor and spinto roles, while also singing lyric parts in works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (for example Don Giovanni), Georges Bizet (Carmen), and Spanish zarzuela repertoire by composers like Federico Moreno Torroba and Ruperto Chapí. Domingo collaborated with conductors including Herbert von Karajan, Zubin Mehta, Riccardo Muti, and directors from houses such as Covent Garden and the Bavarian State Opera.

Conducting and administrative roles

Beyond singing, Domingo has pursued conducting engagements at orchestras and opera houses including guest baton appearances with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, and ensembles at the Royal Opera House. He held leadership positions as general director of the Washington National Opera and later the Los Angeles Opera, overseeing seasons, casting, and commissions, while engaging with boards and institutions such as the European Union Youth Orchestra and international festivals like the Bregenz Festival. His administrative tenure involved collaborations with artistic directors, stage designers, and conservatories including the Juilliard School and the Royal Conservatory of Madrid.

Recordings and media appearances

Domingo's discography spans studio and live recordings with labels and ensembles tied to the Deutsche Grammophon, Sony Classical, and EMI Classics catalogues, featuring complete operas, zarzuela, and orchestral recitals. He appeared in filmed productions and broadcasts for television networks and festivals including PBS, RAI, and the BBC Proms, and participated in gala concerts for institutions such as the Kennedy Center and events like the Olympic Games opening ceremony. Collaborations include recordings with singers and artists like Montserrat Caballé, José Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, Renata Scotto, and conductors such as Daniel Barenboim.

Awards, honors, and recognitions

Domingo has received numerous honors including national orders and cultural awards from states and institutions such as the Order of Isabella the Catholic, the Légion d'honneur, and decorations from governments including Spain, France, and Italy. He has been recognized by musical institutions like the Grammy Awards, the Operalia competition (as founder), and lifetime achievement accolades from organizations including the Royal Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera. Academic honors include honorary doctorates and affiliations with conservatories and universities such as the Royal Academy of Music and the University of Southern California.

Sexual misconduct allegations and fallout

Beginning in the late 2010s, Domingo faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct from colleagues and singers connected with companies including the Washington National Opera and the Los Angeles Opera. Investigations and reporting involved media outlets such as the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, and prompted responses from institutions including the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, and the Royal Opera House, leading to postponed engagements, administrative review processes, and withdrawals from planned performances at festivals like the Salzburg Festival. Some organizations commissioned internal inquiries and settlements, while professional communities including unions and arts councils debated policy reforms. The allegations affected honors and scheduled appearances, and sparked broader discussions in forums such as the European Commission cultural debates and panels at institutions including the Council of Europe.

Category:Spanish tenors Category:Opera singers