Terfel, Bryn (1965– )

Welsh bass-baritone. He is regarded as one of the most promising baritones of his generation, known also for his commanding stage presence.

He studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, and won the lieder (German song) prize at the 1990 Cardiff Singer of the World Competition. He began his opera career specializing in Mozart roles, including Gugliemo in Così fan tutte for his debut with the Welsh National Opera in 1990; Figaro for his US debut (at Santa Fe) and his English National Opera debut, both in 1991; and Masetto from Don Giovanni for his debut at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, in 1992.

He sang Jochanaan at Salzburg in 1992, returning there for the Brahms Requiem in 1993 and as Leporello in 1994. In 1993 he appeared at the Vienna Staatsoper, as Mozart's Count, and the following year at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, as Figaro. His recordings include Schubert's Schwanengesang/Swan Song, and Figaro in the John Eliot Gardiner version of the opera. He won Grammy Awards for his album Opera Arias in 1996 and his crossover album Simple Gifts in 2006.