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James MorrisAmerican operatic bass-baritone
Date of Birth: 10.01.1947
Country:  USA |
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James Morris: Biography
James Morris is an American opera bass-baritone who gained fame for his interpretation of the complex role of Wotan in Richard Wagner's opera cycle "Der Ring des Nibelungen". Born on January 10, 1947, in Baltimore, Morris studied under the guidance of Rosa Ponselle, one of the greatest sopranos of the past century, and at the prestigious Peabody Conservatory of Music in the United States. He also attended the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia.
Early Career
Morris made his debut in 1967 at the Baltimore Opera, where he performed the role of Hoffmann's companion, Spalanzani, in Offenbach's "The Tales of Hoffmann." The production featured renowned artists Beverly Sills and Norman Treigle in the lead roles. In 1971, Morris made his first appearance at the Metropolitan Opera, singing the role of Amonasro in Verdi's "Aida". He continued to expand his repertoire and established himself as one of the most versatile opera singers of his time, performing works by Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, and Benjamin Britten.
The Role of Wotan
Among all the roles Morris has sung, Wotan remained his signature role. He was considered one of the top two or three Wotans in the world during the height of his career. On his 61st birthday, January 10, 2008, he reprised the role in a production of "Die Walküre" at the Metropolitan Opera, a theater with which he maintained a close relationship. In 2009, he portrayed Scarpia in Puccini's "Tosca" at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, alongside Deborah Voigt as Tosca.
Accomplishments and Family Life
In addition to his impressive voice and musicality, Morris, who stands at 6 feet 5 inches tall, possesses an athletic physique that suits the demands of heroic Wagnerian roles. He has recorded a significant number of albums during the peak of his career. Morris currently resides in New Jersey with his wife, mezzo-soprano Susan Quittmeyer, and their twins, Jennifer and Daniel. He received Grammy Awards for Best Opera Recording in 1990 and 1991 for "Die Walküre" and "Das Rheingold" with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
