Even though the most prestigious international press describes him as the opera baritone without peer, Thomas Hampson is more than that; he is the “Ambassador of American song”, researcher of vocal techniques, innovator of musical expression and applications of modern technologies. He has performed concerts in the most important concert halls and opera houses throughout the world and also won numerous prizes and recognitions, but surely one of the most important is the recognition of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences for the preservation and research of American song – cultural heritage of his country. His social awareness goes even further; in 2003 he founded Hampsong Foundation, whose aim is to promote art songs in America and moreover support musicologists and young artists through projects, conferences, courses, debut concerts and lectures. Due to his lyric baritone of virtuous capabilities and his musical intelligence he is able to perform a wide repertoire that goes from lied, oratorio, musical theatre, operetta and opera to contemporary music. So, it is no surprise that ECHO Klassik named him Singer of the Year in 2011 and it’s the fourth time he has received this distinction!    

 

                                                                                                 

                                                                                                  Washington Post

 

                                                                                   San Francisco Classical Voice