Jonas Kaufmann

Norman Lebrecht talks to the German-Austrian superstar tenor Jonas Kaufmann about his life and career.

Jonas tells Norman about his beginnings as a singer, trying to establish himself against his father's wishes during his early career. He explains what was at the root of his disagreements with The Metropolitan Opera in New York during the Covid pandemic, which still prevent him from performing there. They discuss his love of languages, particularly his passion for singing in Italian and French, and his great vocal versatility which also encompasses the most demanding Wagnerian operatic roles, expected from him as a German singer although some of them remain elusive.

Jonas also talks candidly about his latest artistic challenge as the new Intendant of Austria's Tyrol Festival Erl, and why he won't invite some Russian singers over to take part in the festival, in light of the conflict in Ukraine - at least not yet.