Famous Tenor Singers: Voices Defining Opera Today
”The voice is something very mysterious. It’s difficult to say what is inside a voice that moves people” – Andrea Bocelli
A tenor is a lyric singer whose vocal range represents one of the highest classifications of the male voice. Specifically, a tenor’s natural voice typically extends to octaves higher than the baritone yet lower than the counter-tenor. Historically, until the 18th century, composers often assigned tenors to secondary character roles, as the protagonists were frequently castrati – male singers castrated before puberty to preserve their high vocal range. However, the late 18th and early 19th centuries saw the rise of composers employing techniques ideally suited for the tenor voice. Consequently, the tenor emerged from relative obscurity, playing increasingly significant roles in the works of late-Baroque and Classical composers. The term “tenor” itself originates from the Latin verb “teneo,” meaning “to hold.” During Renaissance polyphony, the tenor voice was fundamental, “holding” the harmonic foundation. Following this brief introduction, we delve into some of the most celebrated contemporary Famous Tenor Singers. This selection is inherently challenging, given the multitude of exceptional tenors throughout history and the many contemporary artists astonishing audiences today. There is an inevitable link connecting the legends of the past with the stars of the present.
Admirable Contemporary Tenors
Plácido Domingo
”He remains an authoritative interpreter of this uniquely demanding assignment” – The Guardian
Plácido Domingo stands as one of the legendary “Three Tenors,” alongside José Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti. He is recognized as one of the finest tenors of the late 20th century and remains one of the most influential figures in opera history. Beyond his singing, Domingo is also a respected conductor and a significant force as an opera administrator. His vast repertoire encompasses over 150 roles, with a career spanning more than 4000 performances. Domingo made his operatic debut in a leading role in 1961, at the age of 20, portraying Alfredo in Verdi’s La Traviata in Monterrey. Numerous significant appearances followed, featuring demanding roles. His greatest international success blossomed in the 1980s. Since then, Plácido has graced the world’s most famous opera stages, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades. His extensive discography, including over 100 recordings of complete operas, aria compilations, duets, and crossover albums, has garnered him 12 Grammy Awards, three of which are Latin Grammys. Furthermore, he has appeared in over 50 music videos and won two Emmy Awards, solidifying his status as one of the world’s most celebrated and decorated Famous Tenor Singers.
Plácido Domingo, one of the famous Three Tenors, performing opera
Andrea Bocelli
”If God was an artist, His voice should sound like Andrea Bocelli’s”- Celine Dion
Andrea Bocelli possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and beautiful voices globally, commanding a substantial and devoted fan base worldwide. Born in Italy in 1958, Bocelli faced adversity early on. Diagnosed with congenital glaucoma and becoming completely blind at age 12 following a football accident, he found solace and purpose in music. From the age of 7, he demonstrated a remarkable ability to recognize famous voices and emulate renowned artists. At 14, he won his first song contest performing the classic “O sole mio.” A pivotal moment arrived in 1992 when Italian pop star Zucchero asked him to record a demo of “Miserere,” intended for the legendary Luciano Pavarotti. Pavarotti was deeply impressed by Bocelli’s voice, marking the beginning of a friendship between the two great tenors. The following year, Bocelli secured a recording contract, and his debut album, Il mare calmo della sera, brought him widespread recognition across Europe. Despite facing challenges, Bocelli persevered through hard work, and his voice has captivated audiences globally. He has performed in prestigious venues like the Metropolitan Opera, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and London’s Royal Albert Hall, accumulating 26 major awards and distinctions. His unique talent has drawn praise from many renowned artists. Soprano Anna Maria Martínez perhaps summarized it best: ”More than anything, Andrea has something that is unique in that he brings this light that is always around him. And this purity of heart and beauty of sound just touches the listener. It can’t be described.”
Andrea Bocelli, renowned Italian tenor singer, smiling during a performance
José Cura
”As a tenor, José Cura has a feeling and love for the climax of the music. This he brings to the conductor’s podium”- Falun Kuriken, 29 June 2002
José Cura is considered one of the foremost Argentine artists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Notably, he was the first artist known to simultaneously sing lead tenor roles while conducting the orchestra. Born in Argentina in 1962, Cura’s first starring role came in 1993 in Signorina Julia at the Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi in Italy. In 1994, he won first prize in Plácido Domingo’s prestigious Operalia competition. While many significant appearances followed, a defining moment occurred in 1997. Plácido Domingo effectively passed the torch by conducting the orchestra, allowing the young Cura to deliver a unique interpretation of Puccini arias, including the magnificent “Nessun Dorma.” The Times of London dubbed him the “Fourth Tenor,” acknowledging his place alongside Domingo, Pavarotti, and Carreras. Audiences and critics alike have hailed him as a leading tenor of the 21st century. Cura has received numerous awards (27 in total) and boasts a significant discography and filmography, alongside extensive concert performances and conducting work. Reflecting his artistic philosophy, Cura stated: “Classical art will never die unless we kill it… We all – artists, music lovers, journalists – are responsible for preserving classical art… let help keep her alive.”
Argentine tenor and conductor José Cura in a thoughtful pose
Marcelo Álvarez
”Álvarez is a fully-grown lyric with brains, gorgeous tone, absolutely even production, secure, ringing high notes and a youthful approach to the music”- Robert Levine
Marcelo Raúl Álvarez is an acclaimed Argentine lyric tenor, born in Córdoba in 1962. After several auditions, his fortunes changed upon meeting the legendary tenor Giuseppe di Stefano. Impressed, Di Stefano urged him to go to Italy, famously stating, “this young man sings with his heart, he will have a great career!” Initially, Álvarez performed in smaller venues in Argentina. His major stage debut occurred as a late replacement playing Count Almaviva in Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia in Córdoba in 1994. Later that year, he starred in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore in Buenos Aires. These experiences helped cultivate his voice and garnered positive attention, including praise from Luciano Pavarotti. Álvarez arrived in Europe in 1995, debuting at Teatro La Fenice in Bellini’s La Sonnambula. Following his triumph in the title role of Massenet’s Werther in 1997, Sony Classical signed him to an exclusive recording contract. In 1999, Álvarez returned to Buenos Aires for the production of the award-winning documentary Marcelo Álvarez in search of Gardel. Numerous successes and awards followed, establishing Marcelo Álvarez as one of the most important famous tenor singers today, sought after by virtually all major opera houses worldwide.
Marcelo Álvarez, acclaimed Argentine lyric tenor, singing passionately
Roberto Alagna
”His voice has a rare tone. He is a musician with education and personality. He also has rich acting talents. He is a ”myth” of opera”- The Metropolitan Opera
Roberto Alagna is celebrated as a consummate performer, known for his strong physical stage presence. Born in 1963 near Paris, France, he was largely self-taught, drawing inspiration from Mario Lanza films and recordings of historic tenors. His talent was discovered by Gabriel Dussurget, a notable French impresario and opera director. In 1988, Alagna won the Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition. That same year, following an audition, he performed Alfredo in Glyndebourne’s touring production of Verdi’s La Traviata. He reprised this role for his debut at La Scala in Milan in 1990. His career ascended rapidly, leading to principal roles in major opera houses including La Scala, Covent Garden, and the Metropolitan Opera. Alagna has received numerous accolades. In 1994, the French Press named him “Musical Personality of the Year.” He received the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera in 1995 and was appointed a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government in 1996. These honors underscore Roberto Alagna’s significant impact and brilliance in the world of opera.
Roberto Alagna, celebrated French tenor known for his stage presence, in concert
Jonas Kaufmann
”Jonas Kaufmann has an extraordinary voice that can produce deep, burnished, baritonal tones in its lowest registers and yet also control the high Cs of ”Faust” and La Bohème”- The Guardian
Often described as the “king of tenors,” Jonas Kaufmann was born in Munich, Germany, in 1969. His early exposure to opera came through his father. He sang in boys’ choirs and studied piano. Kaufmann pursued formal vocal training at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich. During his studies, he performed minor roles at the Bavarian State Opera. Graduating with distinction in both opera and concert performance in 1994, he began his professional journey at the Saarbrücken State Theater at age 25. His exceptional talent quickly gained recognition, leading to debuts in prominent German theaters like the Stuttgart Opera, and major international stages including the Opéra National de Paris, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Teatro alla Scala. Kaufmann’s international career took flight, featuring performances in the world’s most prestigious opera houses, such as the Royal Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera, and Covent Garden, where he tackled renowned and challenging roles. He collaborates frequently with leading conductors and directors and has been honored with the highest distinction from the French Government as a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters.
Jonas Kaufmann, leading German tenor often called the 'king of tenors', looking intense
Lawrence Brownlee
”One of the most in-demand opera singers in the world today”-NPR
Lawrence Brownlee is particularly celebrated for his technical mastery and finesse in bel canto repertoire. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1972, he gained early recognition as an audience favorite at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions at age 28. Brownlee made his professional stage debut in 2002 with Virginia Opera, performing in Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. His 2004 performance in Rossini’s La Donna del lago garnered significant critical acclaim. Since then, Brownlee has enjoyed numerous successes, earning distinctions and awards, including the prestigious “Male Singer of the Year” award in 2017. His career has taken him to the world’s most important opera stages, including Teatro Alla Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House, and the Opéra National de Paris. Brownlee views his artistry as a means for meaningful expression, stating in an interview, ”I wanted to use my art as a platform and say something meaningful”.
Lawrence Brownlee, American tenor acclaimed for bel canto roles, performing opera
Juan Diego Flórez
Juan Diego Flórez has firmly established himself as one of opera’s greatest talents, renowned for his remarkably expressive singing. He stands among today’s most celebrated and beloved famous tenor singers. Born in Peru in 1973, Flórez secured a place at Peru’s National Conservatory of Music in 1990. From 1993 to 1996, he studied at the prestigious Curtis Institute in Philadelphia on scholarship. A significant influence came in 1994 when fellow Peruvian tenor Ernesto Palacio invited Flórez to Italy for a recording project. Palacio provided crucial support during the early stages of Flórez’s professional career. His professional debut arrived with spectacular success in 1996 (at age 23) at the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro. That same year marked his debut at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, under the baton of the esteemed conductor Riccardo Muti – a pivotal moment in his career. In 2001, Flórez released his first solo album, Rossini Arias. A meeting with the great Luciano Pavarotti in 2002 further shaped his path. Flórez continued with numerous successful recordings and garnered many awards. Notably, he famously delivered the first encore at Teatro alla Scala since 1933, cementing his place among the elite tenors of his generation.
Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez, known for expressive singing, in formal attire
Alfie Boe
”Alfie performs in some of the world’s greatest classical venues, but he also has the rare ability to bring together all sorts of music lovers”
Alfie Boe, born in England in 1973, is particularly renowned for his powerful performances in musical theatre. His first public performance was at age 14 in a local “Songs from the Shows” event. Determined to pursue a singing career, Boe moved to London to study at the Royal College of Music, the National Opera Studio, and the Royal Opera House’s Vilar Young Artists Programme. “I just wanted to go for it to see if I could make it,” he has said. In 2006, Boe signed with the Classic FM label; his album Classic FM presents Alfie Boe reached number three on the UK classical chart. A major career milestone occurred in 2010 when he took on the demanding role of Jean Valjean in a concert performance of the beloved musical Les Misérables, a role he reprised many times in prestigious venues. In 2011, he also performed in productions of La Bohème and The Mikado for the English National Opera. Boe’s ability to excel in the demanding world of musical theatre sets him apart. His contributions were recognized in 2019 when he was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) on the Queen’s Honours list. He continues to achieve success, releasing the album Together at Christmas with Michael Ball in 2020.
Alfie Boe, English tenor famous for musical theatre roles like Les Miserables
Vittorio Grigolo (“Il Pavarottino”)
”His voice is an attractive, ardent and supple instrument that he wielded to passionate effect”- New York Times
Vittorio Grigolo was born in Arezzo, Italy, and moved to Rome as a child. A chance encounter at age nine led to his remarkable journey. While waiting for his mother at an eye appointment, he heard singing from another room and spontaneously performed “Ave Maria.” Impressed, the singer (who was the optician’s father) urged him to audition for the Sistine Chapel Choir. Grigolo was not only accepted but chosen as a soloist. A defining early experience came at age 13, performing as the Shepherd Boy in Tosca at the Rome Opera House alongside the legendary Luciano Pavarotti. This performance earned him the affectionate nickname “Il Pavarottino” (Little Pavarotti). He debuted as a tenor at 17 and began gaining international recognition by 18. In 2000, at age 23, he became the youngest tenor ever to perform at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala. Since then, Vittorio Grigolo has achieved global fame, appearing in the world’s most important opera houses, including Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera House, and the Sydney Opera House, often under the direction of renowned conductors. He has made significant recordings, including a notable interpretation of West Side Story, and received numerous awards recognizing his successful career. Grigolo cherishes the words Pavarotti shared shortly before his death: ”Champ, you’re not a tenor, you’re a star tenor and star tenors we lack. Go to Washington and grab the success you deserve.”
Vittorio Grigolo, Italian tenor known as 'Il Pavarottino', singing expressively
Conclusion
Compiling a list of contemporary famous tenor singers is inherently challenging, as numerous remarkable and talented artists are currently forging brilliant careers. The tenors highlighted here represent individuals who have carved unique paths with authenticity, honesty, and profound emotion. There’s an undeniable quality in their voices – a blend of sweetness and power that is difficult to define but instantly connects with the audience’s heart. This selection moves from the more established figures to the relatively younger generation, forming a pyramid of talent. The base comprises experienced masters like Plácido Domingo and Andrea Bocelli, who laid foundations upon which younger tenors have built and evolved. Looming large over modern tenordom is the unforgettable voice of Maestro Luciano Pavarotti, whose influence resonates through many of the artists featured. As Pavarotti himself said, reflecting on the power of music: ”I’m not a politician, I’m a musician. I care about giving people a place where they can go to enjoy themselves and to begin to live again. To the man you have to give the spirit and when you give him the spirit, you have done everything”. These famous tenors continue that legacy, offering audiences the spirit of music through their extraordinary voices.
