Renowned vocalist, orchestral leader, and opera influencer Plácido Domingo to be awarded the UCLA Medal
Placido Domingo, the legendary Spanish opera singer, conductor, and arts administrator, is set to receive the UCLA Medal – the university's highest honour – on November 12. This prestigious award recognises Domingo's outstanding contributions to the arts and cultural life.
Domingo, who made his American debut in 1961 singing Arturo in "Lucia di Lammermoor" with the Dallas Civic Opera, has had a prolific career spanning over six decades. He has sung 151 roles in six languages, notably excelling in Italian, French, and German operas, and has performed more operas by Giuseppe Verdi than any other singer[1].
The UCLA Medal ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. on November 12 in UCLA's Schoenberg Hall. Following the ceremony, an 80-minute master class with Domingo, two students from UCLA's voice and opera program, and two singers from the Domingo-Colburn-Stein program is scheduled. This event is free and open to the public, but advance reservations are required.
Judith Smith, dean of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, has praised Domingo's passion for mentoring young artists and enabling them to realise their full potential. Domingo is acclaimed for his "heroic voice, superb musicianship, fine acting skills, and dashing Latin good looks," and was dubbed "King of the Opera" by Newsweek in 1982[1].
In addition to his live performances, Domingo has appeared in opera films directed by Franco Zeffirelli and lent his voice to animated films such as Beverly Hills Chihuahua and The Book of Life[1][5]. He is also the founder of several young artist programmes, including the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program at the Washington National Opera, the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program at the LA Opera, and the Centre de Perfeccionament Plácido Domingo at the Palau de las Arts in Valencia, Spain.
The UCLA Medal was established in 1979 and is awarded to those who have earned academic and professional acclaim, and whose work demonstrates the highest ideals of UCLA. Past recipients include renowned figures such as Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and National Medal of Science recipients[2].
Domingo has been a vital presence in LA Opera's artistic administration since before the company's first public performances in 1986. He is currently the Eli and Edythe Broad General Director of LA Opera, a position he is contracted to hold through the 2021-22 season.
The UCLA Medal ceremony and master class are not to be missed, providing a unique opportunity to witness the artistic brilliance of Plácido Domingo up close.
References: 1. Plácido Domingo 2. UCLA Medal 3. UCLA Newsroom: Plácido Domingo to Receive UCLA Medal 4. LA Opera: Plácido Domingo 5. Operalia
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