Opera fans often struggle to find new male voices to enjoy beyond the well-known stars. We understand the desire to explore the rich world of male opera talent. In this article, we promise to introduce you to 33 exceptional male opera singers who deserve recognition.

These artists span different eras, vocal ranges, and styles, offering something for every opera enthusiast. We’ll take you on a journey through the powerful tenors, resonant baritones, and commanding basses who have left their mark on the opera world.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a fresh list of gifted male opera singers to listen to, enhancing your opera listening experience and broadening your musical horizons. This guide will help you find hidden gems in opera, from classic performers to modern virtuosos.

Top 33 Male Opera Singers You Should Listen to

This list showcases the finest male voices in opera, from legendary performers to rising stars. We’ve gathered a diverse group of tenors, baritones, and basses who have significantly impacted the opera world with their extraordinary vocal abilities and moving performances.

1. Luciano Pavarotti

Luciano Pavarotti was one of the most famous tenors in history. He was known for his powerful voice and charismatic performances. Through concerts and collaborations with popular musicians, he brought opera to a wider audience.

• Date of Birth: October 12, 1935
• Major Events: Famous for The Three Tenors; performed at numerous charity concerts
• Type of Opera: Italian opera, especially bel canto and Verdi

2. Placido Domingo

Placido Domingo is a legendary tenor and conductor with an impressive career spanning over six decades. He is noted for his versatility, having sung over 150 roles in multiple languages.

• Date of Birth: January 21, 1941
• Major Events: Member of The Three Tenors, conducted for major orchestras
• Type of Opera: Italian, French, Spanish, and German operas

3. José Carreras

José Carreras is renowned for his lyrical tenor voice and performances in Verdi and Puccini’s operas. After recovering from leukemia, he became an ambassador for cancer research.

• Date of Birth: December 5, 1946
• Major Events: Member of The Three Tenors, founder of the José Carreras Leukemia Foundation
• Type of Opera: Italian and French operas, particularly Verdi and Puccini

4. Enrico Caruso

Enrico Caruso was an Italian tenor who became the first superstar of the recording era. His recordings sold millions of copies worldwide and set the standard for future generations.

• Date of Birth: February 25, 1873
• Major Events: First global opera recording star performed at the Metropolitan Opera
• Type of Opera: Italian opera, especially Verdi and Puccini

5. Jonas Kaufmann

Jonas Kaufmann is a leading contemporary tenor known for his rich tone and ability to sing Italian and German opera. His powerful interpretations have made him a global opera star.

• Date of Birth: July 10, 1969
• Major Events: Known for performing at the Royal Opera House and Metropolitan Opera
• Type of Opera: Italian, French, and German opera

6. Jussi Björling

Jussi Björling was a Swedish tenor who is regarded as one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century. His voice was praised for its purity and emotional expressiveness.

• Date of Birth: February 5, 1911
• Major Events: Sang at the Metropolitan Opera, famous for his roles in Verdi operas
• Type of Opera: Italian opera, particularly Verdi and Puccini

7. René Pape

René Pape is a German bass-baritone known for his powerful stage presence and voice. He is celebrated for his performances in Wagner and Mozart operas.

• Date of Birth: September 4, 1964
• Major Events: Known for performances at the Bayreuth Festival and Metropolitan Opera
• Type of Opera: German opera, especially Wagner and Mozart

8. Bryn Terfel

Bryn Terfel is a Welsh bass-baritone renowned for his strong voice and dramatic interpretations. He is especially noted for his performances in Wagner and Mozart roles.

• Date of Birth: November 9, 1965
• Major Events: Famous for his portrayal of Wotan in Wagner’s Ring Cycle
• Type of Opera: German and Italian opera, especially Wagner and Mozart

9. Peter Schreier

Peter Schreier was a German tenor and conductor who was celebrated for his interpretations of Mozart and Bach. His lyrical voice and precise musicality made him a favorite for oratorio performances.

• Date of Birth: July 29, 1935
• Major Events: Renowned for conducting and performing at the Salzburg Festival
• Type of Opera: German opera, particularly Mozart and Bach

10. Rolando Villazón

Rolando Villazón is a Mexican tenor known for his passionate performances and charismatic stage presence. He has performed at many of the world’s leading opera houses.

• Date of Birth: February 22, 1972
• Major Events: Performed at La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, and Covent Garden
• Type of Opera: Italian and French opera

11. Franco Corelli

Franco Corelli was an Italian tenor with a distinctive, powerful voice. He was known for his striking stage presence and dramatic interpretations of heroic roles.

• Date of Birth: April 8, 1921
• Major Events: Starred in numerous performances at La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera
• Type of Opera: Italian opera, especially Verdi and Puccini

12. Juan Diego Flórez

Juan Diego Flórez is a Peruvian tenor celebrated for virtuosity in the bel canto repertoire. His voice is known for its agility, high notes, and lyrical quality.

• Date of Birth: January 13, 1973
• Major Events: Performed at the world’s major opera houses, including La Scala and Covent Garden
• Type of Opera: Bel canto and Italian opera, particularly Rossini and Donizetti

13. Nicolai Gedda

Nicolai Gedda was a Swedish tenor famed for his versatility and wide-ranging repertoire. He performed in over 100 roles and sang in seven languages.

• Date of Birth: July 11, 1925
• Major Events: Starred at the Metropolitan Opera and recorded extensively
• Type of Opera: French, Italian, and German opera

14. Roberto Alagna

Roberto Alagna is a French-Italian tenor known for his passionate singing and dramatic performances. He has been a leading figure in opera for over three decades.

• Date of Birth: June 7, 1963
• Major Events: Performed at the Royal Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera
• Type of Opera: Italian and French opera

15. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau was a German baritone famed for his interpretations of German Lieder. His ability to bring depth to characters in operas and art songs earned him global recognition.

• Date of Birth: May 28, 1925
• Major Events: Known for his work in Die Winterreise and other song cycles
• Type of Opera: German opera, especially Wagner and Strauss

16. Samuel Ramey

Samuel Ramey is an American bass-baritone known for his commanding stage presence and rich voice. His repertoire includes baroque and contemporary operas.

• Date of Birth: March 28, 1942
• Major Events: Known for his performances at the Metropolitan Opera and La Scala
• Type of Opera: Italian and French opera

17. Alfredo Kraus

Alfredo Kraus was a Spanish tenor known for his technical perfection and mastery of the bel canto style. His high notes and elegant phrasing made him a legend in the opera world.

• Date of Birth: November 24, 1927
• Major Events: Performed at the world’s major opera houses, including the Vienna State Opera
• Type of Opera: Bel canto, especially Rossini, Donizetti, and Bellini

18. César Vezzani

César Vezzani was a French tenor of Corsican descent. He was celebrated for his interpretations of French operatic roles, and his recordings remain an essential part of operatic history.

• Date of Birth: August 8, 1888
• Major Events: Famous for his roles in Carmen and Les Pêcheurs de Perles
• Type of Opera: French opera, particularly Bizet and Gounod

19. Tito Gobbi

Tito Gobbi was an Italian baritone renowned for his dramatic acting and powerful voice. His interpretations of Verdi’s roles are still considered some of the finest ever recorded.

• Date of Birth: October 24, 1913
• Major Events: Performed at La Scala and the Royal Opera House
• Type of Opera: Italian opera, especially Verdi and Puccini

20. Lawrence Brownlee

Lawrence Brownlee is an American tenor known for his incredible vocal agility and high notes. He has become a leading figure in the bel canto repertoire.

• Date of Birth: November 24, 1972
• Major Events: Performed at the Metropolitan Opera and La Scala
• Type of Opera: Bel canto, particularly Rossini and Donizetti

21. Piero Cappuccilli

Piero Cappuccilli was an Italian baritone, highly regarded for his performances of Verdi’s operas. His rich voice and dramatic interpretations earned him a place among the greatest baritones.

• Date of Birth: November 9, 1926
• Major Events: Renowned for his performances at La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera
• Type of Opera: Italian opera, especially Verdi

22. Mario Del Monaco

Mario Del Monaco was an Italian tenor known for his heroic voice and intensity on stage. He was famous for his interpretations of Verdi and Puccini roles.

• Date of Birth: July 27, 1915
• Major Events: Performed at La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera; renowned for his role as Otello
• Type of Opera: Italian opera, especially Verdi and Puccini

23. Fernando De Lucia

Fernando De Lucia was an Italian tenor who was celebrated for his ability to convey emotion through his voice. He was known for his roles in verismo operas and early recordings.

• Date of Birth: October 11, 1860
• Major Events: Performed at the major Italian opera houses and recorded extensively
• Type of Opera: Verismo and Italian opera, especially Verdi

24. Carlo Bergonzi

Carlo Bergonzi was an Italian tenor renowned for mastering Verdi’s operas. His technique and phrasing made him one of the greatest interpreters of the Verdi repertoire.

• Date of Birth: July 13, 1924
• Major Events: Known for performances at La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera
• Type of Opera: Italian opera, especially Verdi

25. Giuseppe Di Stefano

Giuseppe Di Stefano was an Italian tenor known for his bright and expressive voice. He partnered with Maria Callas in numerous legendary performances.

• Date of Birth: July 24, 1921
• Major Events: Famous for his partnership with Maria Callas and performances at La Scala
• Type of Opera: Italian opera, especially Verdi and Puccini

26. Andrea Bocelli

Andrea Bocelli is an Italian tenor known for his crossover success in classical and popular music. Despite losing sight at 12, he became one of the most successful tenors in history.

• Date of Birth: September 22, 1958
• Major Events: Crossover success in both opera and popular music, with numerous international tours
• Type of Opera: Italian opera, particularly Puccini and Verdi

27. Thomas Hampson

Thomas Hampson is an American baritone celebrated for his wide-ranging repertoire and intellectual approach to performance. He is also known for advocating American song.

• Date of Birth: June 28, 1955
• Major Events: Renowned for performances at the Vienna State Opera and the Metropolitan Opera
• Type of Opera: German, Italian, and American opera, especially Mozart and Verdi

28. Sherrill Milnes

Sherrill Milnes is an American baritone known for his powerful voice and dramatic portrayals of Verdi’s baritone roles. He enjoyed a long career, particularly at the Metropolitan Opera.

• Date of Birth: January 10, 1935
• Major Events: Famous for his roles at the Metropolitan Opera and La Scala
• Type of Opera: Italian opera, particularly Verdi

29. Leo Slezak

Leo Slezak was an Austrian tenor known for his versatility and performances in opera and operetta. His humor and talent also made him popular in film and literature.

• Date of Birth: August 18, 1873
• Major Events: Famous for his roles in Wagner’s operas and a successful film career
• Type of Opera: German and Italian opera, especially Wagner

30. Ramon Vargas

Ramon Vargas is a Mexican tenor renowned for his lyrical voice and wide-ranging repertoire. He has been a leading figure in the international opera scene for decades.

• Date of Birth: September 11, 1960
• Major Events: Renowned for performances at the Royal Opera House and the Vienna State Opera
• Type of Opera: Italian and French opera

31. Ferruccio Furlanetto

Ferruccio Furlanetto is an Italian bass known for his deep, resonant voice and dramatic interpretations. He is particularly acclaimed for his performances of Verdi and Mozart roles.

• Date of Birth: May 16, 1949
• Major Events: Famous for his roles at the Vienna State Opera and the Salzburg Festival
• Type of Opera: Italian and German opera, particularly Verdi and Mozart

32. Matteo Manuguerra

Matteo Manuguerra was a Tunisian-born French baritone known for his dramatic stage presence and rich voice. He was especially acclaimed for his Verdi roles.

• Date of Birth: October 5, 1924
• Major Events: Renowned for his performances at the Paris Opera and La Scala
• Type of Opera: Italian opera, especially Verdi

33. Erwin Schrott

Erwin Schrott is a Uruguayan bass-baritone known for his charismatic performances and powerful voice. He is a prominent interpreter of Mozart and Italian operas.

• Date of Birth: December 21, 1972
• Major Events: Renowned for his performances at the Metropolitan Opera and Covent Garden
• Type of Opera: Italian and German opera, especially Mozart

Conclusion

We’ve taken you on a journey through the world of male opera, introducing you to 33 exceptional voices that deserve your attention. From powerful tenors to commanding basses, these singers represent the best of what opera offers.

So, what’s next? We encourage you to explore their performances online or, better yet, attend a live opera featuring one of these remarkable artists. Each voice tells a unique story, and by listening, you’ll deepen your appreciation for this timeless art form.

Remember, opera is a living, breathing genre that continues to evolve. By supporting these talented singers, you’re helping to ensure its vibrant future.

Whether you’re a longtime opera enthusiast or new to the genre, these 33 male singers offer various performances to discover and enjoy. Happy listening!