Jonas Kaufmann
- Born:
- June 10, 1969, Munich, Germany
- Nationality:
- German
- Profession(s):
- Opera Singer (Tenor)
Early Life and Education
- Born and raised in Munich, Germany.
- Started piano lessons at age eight.
- Sang in his school choir.
- Studied at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater München (Munich Academy of Music and Theatre).
- Initially considered a career in mathematics before fully committing to singing.
Career and Major Achievements
- Made his professional debut at the Staatstheater Saarbrücken.
- Gained international recognition throughout the 2000s, performing at leading opera houses worldwide.
- Known for his versatility, performing roles in German, Italian, and French operas.
- Made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 2006 as Alfredo in La Traviata.
- Critically acclaimed for his interpretations of roles such as Don José in Carmen, Cavaradossi in Tosca, and Walther von Stolzing in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.
- The phrase 'die perlenfischer jonas kaufmann biography' often refers to his performance in Bizet's Les Pêcheurs de Perles, where he portrayed Nadir.
Notable Works
Discography (Selection)
| Album Title | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Verdi | 2013 | Sony Classical |
| Wagner | 2013 | Decca |
| You Mean the World to Me | 2014 | Sony Classical |
| Nessun Dorma: The Puccini Album | 2015 | Sony Classical |
Filmography (Opera on Screen - Selection)
| Opera Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Carmen | 2010 | Don José |
| Lohengrin | 2016 | Lohengrin |
| Andrea Chénier | 2019 | Andrea Chénier |
Legacy and Impact
Jonas Kaufmann is recognized as one of the leading opera singers of his generation, known for his dramatic intensity, vocal power, and intelligent interpretations of a wide range of operatic roles. His performances have significantly impacted the world of opera, attracting new audiences and redefining the standard for contemporary tenors.