Rolando Villazon

Rolando Villazon

Mexican opera singer (tenor)
Date of Birth: 22.02.1972
Country: Mexico

Content:
  1. Early Life and Discovery
  2. International Debut and Success
  3. Notable Performances
  4. Recordings and Awards
  5. Health Concerns and Career Pause
  6. Later Career and Post-Retirement

Early Life and Discovery

Emilio Rolando Villazón Mauleón was born on February 22, 1972, in Mexico City, Mexico. His grandparents were Australians, and he grew up in Fuentes de Satélite, a suburb of Greater Mexico City. Villazón discovered his talent as a tenor when his neighbor's friend, baritone Arturo Nieto, heard him singing in the shower and urged him to pursue his vocal abilities at a music academy.

International Debut and Success

In 1999, Villazón won both the opera and zarzuela prizes at the international Operalia competition, earning him worldwide recognition. He made his Italian debut that same year and performed at the Berlin State Opera for the first time in 2000 as Macduff in Verdi's Macbeth. Over the years, the tenor has showcased some of his best roles at this prestigious venue, including José in Carmen and des Grieux in Manon.

Notable Performances

In 2000, Mauleón sang the role of Rodolfo in Puccini's La Bohème in Munich, and in 2002, he performed as Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi in Los Angeles. He reprised the role of Rodolfo at the Glyndebourne Festival in the UK in 2003 and enjoyed great success at Covent Garden, London, with productions of La Traviata in 2004 and Il Barbiere di Siviglia in 2005.

Recordings and Awards

Villazón has released several solo albums with Virgin Classics, including "Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda" with Patrizia Ciofi and Topi Lehtipuu. In 2007, he signed an exclusive long-term contract with Deutsche Grammophon, and his album "Gitano," featuring Plácido Domingo, was released in the spring of that year.

Health Concerns and Career Pause

In 2007, Villazón suffered vocal difficulties after a gala performance on April 3. As a result, he canceled most of his scheduled appearances, including his debut solo recital at Carnegie Hall and a performance of Romeo et Juliet at the Metropolitan Opera. His first performance after his recovery was as Werther in Jules Massenet's opera at the Vienna State Opera.

Later Career and Post-Retirement

Villazón continued to perform throughout the 2008-2009 season, but many of his scheduled appearances were canceled. In April 2009, the tenor announced his retirement from singing following throat surgery. In 2010, he became a mentor and judge on the ITV television show "Popstar to Operastar."

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