Ramón Vargas

Ramon Vargas (born 1960) is an award-winning Mexican lyric tenor opera singer. Since his debut in the early '90s, he has developed to become one of the most acclaimed tenors of the 21st Century. Known for his clear and agile lyric tenor voice, he is especially successful in the bel canto repertoire, though has sung heavier parts like Massenet's "Werther" to great acclaim.

Born in Mexico City, the 7th of 9 children. Ramon Vargas began singing at the age of 9, joining the Boys' Choir of the Basilica of Guadalupe in his home town. He studied at the "Cardenal Miranda Institute" in México City to become a teacher before making his professional debut in 1983 in Joseph Haydn's Lo Speziale, following his win at the 1982 Carlo Morelli National Vocal Competition. He joined the ensemble at the Vienna State Opera in 1986 after winning that year's Enrico Caruso Tenor Competition in Milan, Italy. He now regularly performs at all the major opera houses all over the world.

Mr Vargas, his wife and two sons live in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Operatic career

* Professional debut: 1983 in Haydn's Lo Speziale in Monterrey, Mexico
* Metropolitan Opera debut: 1992 as "Edgardo" in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor

Recordings

* Complete opera CD: Rossini's Tancredi (as "Argirio"). RCA Red Seal (Roberto Abbado/ Kasarova, Mei, Vargas)
* Complete opera CD: Massenet's Werther (as "Werther"). RCA Red Seal (Vladimir Jurowski/ Vargas, Kasarova, Schaldenbrand)
* Solo recital CD: L'Amour, l'amour
* Arie Antiche Solo CD Nel mio cuore

External links

* [http://www.ramonvargas.com/ Ramon Vargas' Official website]
* [http://www.iberkonzert.com/bio/25/RAMON-VARGAS.html Vargas' biography at his agent's site]
* [http://www.bmgclassics.com/artists/artist.jsp?id=218748 Vargas's biography and recordings at BMG site]
* [http://www.bruceduffie.com/vargas.html Ramón Vargas interview] by Bruce Duffie