Jonas Kaufmann

Jonas Kaufmann, born on July 10, 1969, is a highly acclaimed German-Austrian tenor opera singer renowned for his extraordinary versatility and exceptional repertoire. His performances in various opera roles across multiple languages during recitals and concerts each season have established him as a prominent figure in the world of classical music.

Early Life and Education:

Born in Munich, Kaufmann showed an early interest in music, starting piano lessons at the age of eight and participating in his elementary school choir. Despite initially studying for mathematics entrance exams, his passion for music led him to begin vocal training at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich in 1989. Graduating in 1994 with distinctions in both opera and concert performances, Kaufmann's dedication to his craft became evident.

Career Highlights:

Kaufmann embarked on his professional career at the Staatstheater Saarbrücken in 1994 and quickly gained recognition, making debuts in prestigious German theaters such as the Stuttgart Opera and Hamburg State Opera. International invitations soon followed, with debuts at renowned venues like the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Opéra National de Paris, and La Scala. Notable roles include Don José in Carmen, Cavaradossi in Tosca, and Siegmund in Die Walküre, among others.

His debut recording, "Romantic Arias," with Decca in 2008, marked the beginning of a successful recording career. Subsequent recordings, including a Schubert song cycle and the role of Pinkerton in Puccini's Madama Butterfly, showcased Kaufmann's diverse talents.

In 2011, Kaufmann faced a health challenge, undergoing surgery to remove a lymph node from his chest. Undeterred, he returned to the stage, delivering impressive performances, such as the title role in Gounod's Faust and Wagner's Parsifal.

The tenor's accomplishments continued, with notable performances in Massenet's Werther, Puccini's Manon Lescaut, and Wagner's Tristan und Isolde. Kaufmann made history in 2015 as the first German singer to perform "Rule, Britannia!" at the Last Night of The Proms.

Recent Years and Future Plans:

Kaufmann's career in 2021 saw him giving recitals in Madrid and Vienna, participating in new productions of Aida and Parsifal, and touring North America. In 2022, he made a role debut as the titular character in Britten's Peter Grimes and performed in a studio recording of Turandot, showcasing his continued artistic growth and exploration.

Personal Life:

Married twice, Kaufmann's first marriage to mezzo-soprano Margarete Joswig produced three children. His second marriage to opera director Christiane Lutz began in late 2018, and the couple welcomed a child in March 2019. Kaufmann holds both German and Austrian dual citizenship, with Austrian citizenship awarded to him in February 2021. His current main residence is in Salzburg.

For information on Jonas Kaufmann's upcoming concerts, tour dates, and tickets, fans can stay updated on his official website or through authorized ticket providers. Experience the magic of Kaufmann's voice live in concert, where he brings to life the rich tapestry of classical music with passion and skill.