World’s ‘Most Important Tenor’ to Headline HGO’s First Live Post-Covid Show this Fall

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA will celebrate its return to live performances at the Wortham Theater Center this fall with a special, one-night concert event with renowned German tenor Jonas Kaufmann. An Evening with Jonas Kaufmann, on Oct. 6, will mark the hailed tenor's HGO debut and his first-ever Houston performance.

Described by The New York Times as the "most important, versatile tenor of his generation," Kaufmann is known for having a voice that excels in a wide variety of repertoire, from classic Italian and French roles by Donizetti, Verdi and Bizet to dramatic Wagnerian roles. Standout roles by the preternaturally versatile tenor include Don Carlo, Otello, Alvaro, Des Grieux, Cavaradossi, Andrea Chénier, Turiddu, Canio, Don José, Werther, Florestan, Lohengrin, Siegmund and Parsifal. Kaufmann in-demand solo recitals and concerts frequently sell out opera houses around the world.

His concert with HGO, taking place in the Wortham's intimate Brown Theater, will feature a wide variety of arias and excerpts from the heroic tenor repertoire in addition to a healthy sampling of his lauded Wagnerian roles, the company said.

"Not only are we thrilled about the opportunity to host one of most versatile tenors in the world, but this will also be an evening of celebration as we return to live performances at the Wortham," said HGO Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers, who will be conducting the HGO Orchestra during the special concert event, in a statement. "The arts community has been impacted immensely the past year, and we are so honored to open our 2021-22 season with such an incredibly celebrated artist."

An intimate dinner for donors will take place at the newly renovated Four Seasons Houston hotel following the concert.