© Léopold Oosterlynck

Stephen Salters is the first American ever to win the Grand Prix of one of the most important vocal competitions in the world. There was no doubt that this young baritone would be headlining the marquees of the world's most important opera houses and concert halls. Since winning the 1996 Queen Elisabeth International Voice Competition, Mr. Salters has traveled the world performing in both opera houses and concert halls.

It was no surprise when Mr. Salters next captured America's most prestigious vocal award, the 1999 Walter W. Naumburg Competition. At the mere age of 29, Mr. Salters became the first singer to win both competitions in their combined 120 year illustrious history. Highlights of Mr. Salters' past seasons include six operas with Paris' Opera de Bastille, and Palais Garnier including a heralded Toreador in Carmen. At Tanglewood's 50th Anniversary of the premier of Peter Grimes, Mr. Salters performed the role of Captain Balstrode under the direction of Seiji Ozawa to critical acclaim. In addition he has performed under the batons of many celebrated conductors including Maurizio Benini, Gary Bertini, Ivor Bolton, James Conlon, Will Crutchfield, Martin Isepp, Stephen Lord, Leonard Slatkin, Marc Soustrot and Pinchas Steinberg. He has also collaborated with some of the world's most important stage directors such as Francesca Zambello, Robert Wilson and Colin Graham,

What makes Mr. Salters a truly unique and consummate artist is his innate ability to be at ease on both operatic and concert stages. This gift is proclaimed by many, but won by few.

Mr. Salters has always embraced his African-American background—breaking boundaries and continuing to press forward in the footsteps laid out by other great African-American artists.

Review of the Naumburg recital at Alice Tully Hall

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