Tenor (lyric)
Matthew Polenzani is an American lyric tenor of exceptional refinement whose elegant voice and profound musicianship have established him as one of the leading interpreters of Mozart, bel canto, and French repertoire on the world's great stages.
Defining moments and milestones
Polenzani's ascent from his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1997 to international prominence reflects a singular commitment to the lyric tenor repertoire and the highest standards of musical preparation. His voice—luminous, elegant, and dramatically engaged—has made him the preferred interpreter of Mozart, bel canto, and French opera at the world's leading houses, from the Metropolitan Opera and Vienna State Opera to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Recipient of the Richard Tucker Award and the Met's Beverly Sills Artist Award, he represents a tradition of American tenor artistry grounded in textual fidelity, vocal beauty, and interpretive depth.
Richard Tucker Award (2004); Metropolitan Opera's Beverly Sills Artist Award (2008)
Eastern Illinois University (Bachelor's degree, 1991); Yale School of Music (Master's degree, 1994)
Recordings featuring Matthew Polenzani in the Society index
Additional recordings will appear here as the catalog expands.