Winning the 1989 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition launched the career of the Russian baritone Dmitry Khvorostovsky. Raised in Krasnoyarsk, he emerged from the Soviet era to reach audiences at major institutions including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, and La Scala. He established a reputation for his portrayals of Verdi characters and Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin.
Early Development and Education
Born in 1962, Khvorostovsky grew up in Krasnoyarsk when the city remained largely closed to foreign visitors. As an only child, his primary upbringing fell to his grandparents while his engineer father and gynecologist mother managed demanding professional schedules. He completed his formal training at the Dmitri Hvorostovsky Siberian State Institute of Arts before pursuing his professional ambitions on the international stage.
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Following his 1989 victory in Cardiff, he made his Western operatic debut at the Nice Opera in Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades. His subsequent appearance as Eugene Onegin at La Fenice solidified his standing. His repertoire shifted in later years to focus almost exclusively on Verdi, featuring roles in Il trovatore, Un ballo in maschera, and Simon Boccanegra.
Philanthropy and Media Projects
Beyond his stage work, Khvorostovsky maintained an active role in humanitarian efforts, including serving as an Honorary Director for the Russian Children's Welfare Society. He performed at the organization's Petrushka Ball in 2002. His project involving orchestral arrangements of various songs reached a massive audience in 2003 during a concert at the Kremlin Palace, which aired to over 90 million viewers on Russian television.
Diagnosis and Final Performances
In June 2015, the baritone announced a diagnosis of a brain tumour, resulting in the cancellation of several engagements. Despite his illness, he returned to the Metropolitan Opera in September that same year to perform as Count di Luna in Il trovatore, appearing alongside Anna Netrebko. He continued his work while receiving treatment at the Royal Marsden hospital in London until his death in 2017.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962, Krasnoyarsk
- Died: 2017, London
- Citizenship: United Kingdom, Russia, Soviet Union
- Education: Dmitri Hvorostovsky Siberian State Institute of Arts
- Major Recognition: People's Artist of the Russian Federation
- Burial Site: Novodevichy Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What competition brought him international fame?
He achieved international prominence after winning the 1989 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition.
What were his major awards?
His honors included the Glinka State Prize of the RSFSR, the Order of Alexander Nevsky, and the People's Artist of the Russian Federation.
Achievements
- Educated at Dmitri Hvorostovsky Siberian State Institute of Arts
- Worked as opera singer
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