Highly sought after in both Europe and the United States for his artistry of Bach cantatas, lieder and jazz improvisation, German-born bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff was born with severe birth defects due to his mother’s exposure to the drug thalidomide. Thomas was initially denied admission to Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, not because of his lack of skill, but due to his physical inability to play the piano.
After studying law for three years and serving as a radio announcer for NDR, he began studying voice privately. In 1988 his career took off when he won the ARD International Music Competition and earned praise from the late lyric baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. In 1995 he made his American debut at the Oregon Bach Festival and in 2003 made his staged operatic debut in Beethoven’s Fidelio.
Although Thomas ended his professional singing career in 2012, shortly thereafter he returned to performing, teaching, presenting master classes and producing recordings of classical music for the Deutsche Grammophon label. In 2007 he released his first jazz album. To date these recordings have earned Thomas three Grammy Awards and six have been awarded the Echo Prize.
In 2024 Thomas Quasthoff celebrated his 50th anniversary on stage, performing jazz and operatic roles throughout Germany, as well as narrating with orchestras under Sir Simon Rattle and Alan Gilbert. His illustrious and heart-warming performances have earned Thomas numerous national and international honors, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
WXXI Classical promotes and supports inclusion for musicians of all abilities through programming and special events. WXXI’s Move to Include Initiative is made possible by a generous grant from the Golisano Foundation.
Music: Schubert: Der Leiermann from Winterreise