As we informed you a few blogs back, our silver-maned, golden-voiced operatic heartthrob – distinguished Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky – has done it again! On Sunday, April 29, he will be among five living operatic legends to be honored at the seventh annual Opera News Awards at the Plaza in New York City. Joining him as fellow honorees at this august event will be four other exceptional artists who have made profound contributions to operatic art: Sopranos Anja Silja and Karita Mattila, fellow baritone Peter Mattei, and Director Peter Sellars. We at Delos can proudly claim Dmitri as “ours,” as he is one of Delos’ most prolific and beloved recording artists, gracing a dozen CDs (and one DVD) from our extensive catalogue – and there are more in the pipeline.

And who wouldn’t be thrilled to claim such an artist as their own? He’s in constant demand, having trod the boards at any top opera house or recital hall you can name – and he’s earned more awards (and award nominations) than you can shake a baton at. His velvety vocal beauty is more than matched by his flawless technique: pinpoint intonation, uniformly smooth vocal delivery from top to bottom, and arresting dynamic range. Indeed, few can top his formidable stage presence: He’s an incredibly convincing actor and interpreter, projecting (with typical Russian intensity) whatever mood or emotion is called for: tender romance, impish humor, bristling drama, deepest grief, or wicked rage. Supremely versatile, his staggering repertoire encompasses a huge range of operatic roles, and just about everything else from Neapolitan songs to sacred masterpieces. In person, Dmitri is friendly, funny, sincere, down-to-earth, and a joy to work with. On top of it all – with his flowing silver locks, rugged good looks, and chiseled physique – he’s one of the opera world’s very few genuine HUNKS: a real “rock star” of the classical music business.

In short, then – what’s not to love about Dmitri Hvorostovsky? And that’s the conclusion that the staff of Opera News apparently came to as well in pondering this year’s honorees. Watch for more about him on the Delos Insider as the awards date approaches.

Bravo, bravissimo, Dmitri!

–Lindsay Koob