Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra to accompany Bryn Terfel for his debut in Prague
On Tuesday 13 January, the Smetana Hall in Obecní dům will host a performance by the world famous bass-baritone Bryn Terfel. He will be joined by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Italian maestro Paolo Olmi, with a guest appearance from soprano Simona Houda Šaturová.
Bryn Terfel is a highly respected artist; critics regard him as one of the best interpreters of the role of Wotan from Wagner's Ring, and the singer is much admired for his wonderful voice, faultless diction and acting talent.
After his debut at the Welsh National Opera in 1990 in the role of Guglielmo in Mozart's Cosi fan tutte, he very soon began building up his operatic repertoire, his first invitation to sing at an international venue coming from Salzburg. Since that time he has appeared in all the world's prestigious opera houses with a colourful repertoire spanning Mozart, Wagner, Puccini, Stravinsky, Verdi and Britten.
In operatic circles he is recognised chiefly for his performances of Figaro, Wotan and Falstaff, but also for other roles, such as the Dutchman in The Flying Dutchman, Mephistopheles in Faust, Leporello and Don Giovanni, Jochanaan in Salome, Scarpia in Tosca, Wolfram in Tannhäuser, and Dulcamara in The Elixir of Love.
Terfel is also an excellent performer of the more intimate recital and song repertoires. He won the Cardiff Lieder Prize in 1989 and has continued to cultivate this repertoire since that time. He is a fine performer of German Lieder, from Schubert and Schumann, to English songs by Vaughan Williams, Butterworth, Finzi and Ireland. In addition, he also presents and records Welsh songs.
He has won many awards during his career, such as a Grammy for Best Classical Vocal Performance in 1996, Singer of the Year and Album of the Year for his platinum CD at the Classical Brit Awards in 2004.
