Hampson, Thomas, 1955–, American baritone, b. Elkhart, Ind. An elegant, intelligent, and versatile vocal artist, he has performed in operas, operettas, oratorios, musicals, and recitals. Hampson won the Metropolitan Opera Auditions in 1981 and made his recital debut at Carnegie Hall in 1986. In opera, he is particularly noted for his interpretation of Mozart roles, e.g., in Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutti, as well as of Rossini, Tchaikovsky, Massenet, and Verdi roles. A master of lieder, he also has championed American song. In 2003 he founded the Hampsong Foundation, which promotes the art of song through research, master classes, lectures, concerts, and other activities.
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