37 Facts About Plácido Domingo

Early Life and Family

Plácido Domingo's journey to becoming a legendary tenor began with a rich musical upbringing. Here are some fascinating facts about his early life and family.

1. 01Born on January 21, 1941, in Madrid, Spain, Plácido Domingo's full name is José Plácido Domingo Embil.
2. 02His parents, Plácido Domingo Ferrer and Pepita Embil, were both zarzuela performers, a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre that alternates between spoken and sung scenes.
3. 03The family moved to Mexico when Domingo was eight years old, where his parents established a zarzuela company.
4. 04Domingo began his musical education at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City, initially studying piano and conducting.

Rise to Fame

Domingo's rise to fame was marked by significant milestones and performances that showcased his extraordinary talent.

5. 05He made his operatic debut at the age of 18 in a small role in "Rigoletto" by Giuseppe Verdi.
6. 06In 1961, Domingo joined the Israel National Opera, where he performed in over 280 performances of 12 different roles.
7. 07His international breakthrough came in 1968 when he debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, performing in "Adriana Lecouvreur."
8. 08Domingo has performed in over 150 different roles, more than any other tenor in history.

Career Highlights

Domingo's career is filled with remarkable achievements and memorable performances.

9. 09He is one of the "Three Tenors," alongside Luciano Pavarotti and José Carreras, who gained worldwide fame for their concerts.
10. 10Domingo has won 14 Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, showcasing his versatility and talent.
11. 11He has performed at major opera houses around the world, including La Scala in Milan, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Vienna State Opera.
12. 12In 1990, Domingo sang the role of Otello in Verdi's opera at the Salzburg Festival, a performance that is still highly regarded.

Contributions to Opera

Beyond his performances, Domingo has made significant contributions to the world of opera.

13. 13He founded Operalia, an international opera competition, in 1993 to discover and support young opera talents.
14. 14Domingo has served as the general director of both the Washington National Opera and the Los Angeles Opera.
15. 15He has conducted more than 500 opera performances and symphonic concerts.
16. 16Domingo has recorded over 100 complete operas, making him one of the most recorded opera singers in history.

Personal Life

Domingo's personal life is as interesting as his professional one, filled with love, family, and resilience.

17. 17He married Marta Ornelas, a soprano, in 1962. The couple has two sons, Plácido Jr. and Alvaro.
18. 18Domingo is fluent in several languages, including Spanish, Italian, French, German, and English.
19. 19He has survived two bouts of COVID-19, demonstrating his resilience and strength.
20. 20Domingo is an avid soccer fan and supports Real Madrid.

Awards and Honors

Domingo's contributions to music and culture have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

21. 21He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002 from President George W. Bush.
22. 22Domingo was awarded the Praemium Imperiale, an international arts prize, in 2013.
23. 23He has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
24. 24Domingo was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 2012 for his contributions to music and culture.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are some lesser-known facts that add more color to Domingo's illustrious life.

25. 25Domingo once performed in three different operas in three different cities within 24 hours.
26. 26He has appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Simpsons" and "Sesame Street."
27. 27Domingo has a passion for bullfighting and has even participated in a few amateur bullfights.
28. 28He has a charitable foundation, the Plácido Domingo Foundation, which supports young artists and humanitarian causes.

Legacy and Influence

Domingo's legacy extends beyond his performances, influencing generations of musicians and opera lovers.

29. 29He has been a mentor to many young opera singers, helping to shape the future of the art form.
30. 30Domingo's recordings have introduced opera to new audiences, making the genre more accessible.
31. 31He has been involved in numerous educational initiatives, promoting music education around the world.
32. 32Domingo's work in opera administration has helped to modernize and revitalize several major opera companies.

Fun Facts

To wrap up, here are some fun facts about Plácido Domingo that highlight his unique personality and interests.

33. 33Domingo has a collection of over 1,000 ties, which he often wears during performances and public appearances.
34. 34He once performed a duet with pop star Michael Jackson at the 1984 Grammy Awards.
35. 35Domingo is a skilled cook and enjoys preparing Spanish and Mexican dishes for his family and friends.
36. 36He has a deep love for animals and has several pets, including dogs and birds.
37. 37Domingo's voice has been described as having a "bronze" quality, a unique timbre that sets him apart from other tenors.

The Legacy of Plácido Domingo

Plácido Domingo's career is nothing short of legendary. With a voice that has graced the world's most prestigious opera houses, he's become a symbol of excellence in classical music. His versatility, performing in over 150 roles, sets him apart from many of his peers. Beyond singing, Domingo's contributions as a conductor and arts administrator have left a lasting impact on the opera world.

His numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, highlight his influence and talent. Despite facing controversies, Domingo's dedication to his craft remains undeniable. His ability to connect with audiences, whether through opera, concerts, or recordings, showcases his enduring appeal.

Domingo's legacy is a testament to his passion, hard work, and immense talent. For anyone interested in opera, his career offers a wealth of inspiration and a benchmark of artistic achievement.