NEIL SHICOFF Tenor Guest Artist

Neil Shicoff is internationally recognized as the pre-eminent American tenor of his generation. He is known for his strong lyric tenor voice, an intensely dramatic stage presence and his passionate portrayals. Born in Brooklyn in 1949, the son of New York cantor Sidney Shicoff, he was precocious, and took advantage, from a young age, of the opportunity to take lessons from his father. He then later formalized his training at the Juilliard School of Music. His first opportunity to sing in a major opera venue came in 1975, when he appeared with the Cincinnati May Festival, singing the title role in Verdi’s Ernani under James Levine. The following year, in 1976, Shicoff made his debut at the Met as Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi, also conducted by Maestro Levine. His immense s ess de s ed i r id s essi er er e e, Rigoletto and Adriana Lecouvreur. His singing was highly praised for its stylistic authenticity, musicianship, precision and careful preparation. In the early 90’s Shicoff moved to Europe and concentrated his work there, regularly singing in all the great opera houses of Europe and building for himself a highly prestigious European reputation which endures to this day. In 1997, he made a triumphant return to the Met singing Lensky in Eugene Onegin, followed by other roles, including his signature role of Eleazar in La Juive in 2001. In May 2015, joined by his friends and stellar colleagues, he was honored with a celebratory concert at the Vienna State Opera. Mr. S i ’s most prominent roles are documented on the numerous recordings he has made with some of the most celebrated singers and conductors of our time.