ECHO Klassik Vocal Award-Winners 2011

Singer of the Year: Simone Kermes

Sängerin des Jahres:
Simone Kermes
Sänger des Jahres:
Thomas Hampson
Nachwuchskünstler (Gesang):
Vittorio Grigolo
Klassik-ohne-Grenzen-Preis:
Rolando Villazón
Operneinspielung des Jahres:
Bejun Mehta
Operneinspielung des Jahres:
René Pape
Liedeinspielung des Jahres:
Diana Damrau
Musik-DVD-Produktion des Jahres (Oper):
Cecilia Bartoli

MET in Japan: More Photos (Yes, Even Cuter)

Did you miss the first images posted of the Metropolitan Opera's tour of Japan? Well, now you can check out the second gallery just launched. This time around more production photos and backstage events are captured. (Photos: Photo: Koichi Miura/Met Opera)

Tenor Rolando Villazón serenades the crowd after a performance in Japan.

Villazón with the adorable Alexander, son of soprano Diana Damrau.

MET in Japan: Photos Posted From the Journey

In what could possibly be the cutest photo ever from the Metropolitan Opera's tour of Japan, here we have Diana Damrau's seven-month old son Alexander visiting an orchestra rehearsal for Lucia di Lammermoor. ADORABLE! See more pics here.

Diva Débutantes Spice Up New Releases on Decca, DG & Sony

Among the sopranos making their debut recordings in the coming months, there are sprinklings of returning favorites like Diana Damrau and Danielle de Niese. Click on the images to enlarge. Enjoy!

Diana Damrau Looks Glorious Post-Pregnancy in Rossini

Soprano Diana Damrau gets the royal gown treatment in the Metropolitan Opera's new production of Rossini's Le Comte Ory. Costume designer Catherine Zuber works magic on the relatively new mother as she floats about the stage in these exquisitely colorful dresses playing the character of Countess Adèle. The opera will be presented "Live in HD" and broadcast in movie theaters around the world on April 9th. More images after the jump.

(Photo: Marty Sohl/The Metropolitan Opera)

(Photo: Marty Sohl/The Metropolitan Opera)

(Photo: Marty Sohl/The Metropolitan Opera)

Contact High: Diana Damrau

Europa Riconosciuta - "Ah, lo sento"
Diana Damrau
Riccardo Muti, Milan, 2004
Clip length (0:34)


con·tact high [kon-takt hahy]: when you feel the slight, brief sensation of being high just because you were close to somebody that was definitely high.

"Le Comte Ory" Sneak Preview Videos From the MET

Watch Juan Diego Flórez, Joyce DiDonato and Diana Damrau in videos taken from the dress rehearsal of Rossini's Le Comte Ory that opens this Thursday, March 24 at 8PM EST at the Metropolitan Opera. Videos excerpts include Act I Duet, Act III Trio and more! Click here to view.