The San Francisco Opera honored bass Ferruccio Furlanetto with the Opera Medal following the Sept. 25 performance of “Eugene Onegin.”

San Francisco Opera Tad and Dianne Taube General Director Matthew Shilvock bestowed the honor on the Italian artist, stating, “In your artistry, you carry forward the tradition of the most wonderfully resonant basses like Cesare Siepi, whom you once called ‘the most luminous model to follow.”

Shivlock continued, “You likewise are a luminous model for singers to follow, showing how to marry a depth of vocal beauty with incisive characterizations, all while being one of the most kind, caring and supportive of colleagues. At this opening of ‘Eugene Onegin,’ we celebrate your 43 years of spectacular artistry on this stage. With heartfelt gratitude from the whole San Francisco Opera family, it is a great honor to present you with the San Francisco Opera Medal.”

In response, Furlanetto, who made his San Francisco debut in 1979 as Alvise in “La Gioconda,” said, “I am extremely touched and proud to receive this honor from the Opera House where I started my international career … quite a while ago. But this is, once more, proof that this profession of mine has been and still is the most amazing and unique privilege. I thank you all from the deepest of my heart.”

Furlanetto has appeared with the company in such operas as “Aida,” “Don Carlo,” “Le Cid,” “Lucia di Lammermoor,” “Attila,” and “Così fan tutte.” He has appeared in a total of eight productions with the company over the course of over 40 years.

The Opera Medal was first handed out in 1970 by General Director Kurt Herbert Alder to honor artists who have given distinguished service to the San Francisco Opera. Its first recipient was Dorothy Kirsten.