Beginning the new season, Thomas Hampson returns to Opéra national de Paris to star as Graf Danilo Danilowitsch in Lehar’s ever-popular Die lustige Witwe (“The Merry Widow”). He sings the role September 9 – October 21, with a sparkling cast including Véronique Gens as Hanna Glawari, Valentina Naforniţa as Valencienne, and Stephen Costello as Camille de Rosillon. Conductors Jakub Hrůša and
Marius Stieghorst alternate performances, with a production staged by Jorge Lavelli.

Hampson has received tremendous acclaim for his previous performances as Danilo, recently at Lyric Opera of Chicago:

“… Saturday’s performance belonged to Hampson. The admirable baritone’s smooth yet powerful singing and tall, handsome stage presence are ideal for the role … Nobody in opera today does debonair like Hampson, and his comic timing was impeccable. Did I mention he brings a lieder singer’s care for words to even the silliest throwaway line?” (Chicago Tribune)

He is also featured on an audio recording of the opera with the London Philharmonic; purchase links and additional details can be found via his Discography.