While there have been a plethora of renowned Russian singers to dominate the opera world, a surprising few have been tenors.

Among the tenors who have managed to establish an international career is Vladimir Galouzine, born on June 11, 1956. The dramatic tenor studied at the Novosibirsk Conservatory and started off his career with the corresponding opera company.

As is the case with many of Russia’s top singers, he became a fixture at the Mariinsky Opera under Valery Gergiev in the 1990s, singing his first leading role in 1991. The opera? Verdi’s “Otello.”

His success in Russia led to a massive career abroad at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Teatro alla Scala, La Fenice, Vienna State Opera, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Washington’s Kennedy Center, and Israeli Opera, among many others.

In 2007, he was appointed a People’s Artist of Russia accolade and in 2008 he received an honorary doctorate from the National University of Music Bucharest.

Signature Role

The tenor is undeniably most famous for his interpretation of Hermann in “The Queen of Spades,” which he has championed more than, perhaps, any other tenor in the world. He has reprised the role throughout the years in both his native language and French at the biggest houses around the world. His interpretation is renowned for its intense acting and vocal wildness, the tenor’s darker vocal colors adding to the grimness and tragic nature of the protagonist.

Watch and Listen

Watch his Hermann from Paris in 2005.