Sherrill Milnes is an esteemed American operatic baritone, widely regarded for his powerful voice, dramatic presence, and for being one of the leading singers of his generation. Born on January 10, 1935, in Downers Grove, Illinois, Milnes began his music career as a chorister in his local church before embarking on formal vocal training at Drake University and Northwestern University, and eventually joined the Boris Goldovsky Opera Company.
Milnes's rise to fame was marked by his 1965 debut at the Metropolitan Opera as Valentin in Gounod's "Faust." His rich, potent voice and commanding stagecraft quickly made him a mainstay in the international opera scene, particularly known for his robust interpretations of Verdi roles. Throughout his career, he has dominated the baritonal repertoire, gaining critical acclaim for his performances in such operas as Verdi's "Macbeth," "Otello," "Rigoletto," and "Giovanna d'Arco". Milnes's discography is extensive, reflecting his versatility across a wide range of operatic works from composers like Donizetti, Mozart, Walton, Rachmaninoff, Thomas, Ponchielli, Rossini, Puccini, and Bizet. His interpretations are often celebrated for their insightful musicianship and the emotional depth he brings to his characters. As one of the most recorded opera singers, Milnes's legacy in the world of classical music is enduring, and he continues to influence the art form both as a performer and a revered teacher and mentor to younger singers.
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