Background
James Morris was born in Baltimore, Maryland, where he studied voice with Rosa Ponselle and at the Peabody Conservatory.
James Morris was born in Baltimore, Maryland, where he studied voice with Rosa Ponselle and at the Peabody Conservatory.
Student, University Maryland., 1965-1966; student, Peabody Conservatory, 1966-1968; student, Academy Vocal Arts, 1968-1970.
He is known for his interpretation of the role of Wotan in Richard Wagner"s operatic cycle, Der Ring des Nibelungen. The Metropolitan Opera video recording of the complete cycle with Morris as Wotan has been described as an "exceptional issue on every count." lieutenant was broadcast on Public Broadcasting Service in 1990, to the largest viewing audience of the Ring Cycle in human history. He made his debut with the Baltimore Opera in 1967, as "Crespel" in Jacques Offenbach"s The Tales of Hoffmann, which starred Beverly Sills and Norman Treigle.
He first appeared in New York at the Metropolitan Opera, in January 1971, as The King in Verdi"s Aïda.
He went on to establish himself as one of the most versatile male opera singers in the world, performing a repertoire ranging from Mozart through Verdi and Wagner to Benjamin Britten. But of all the parts he has sung, Wotan arguably remains his signature role.
He was considered one of the best Wotans in the world during his heyday. In January 2008, on his 61st birthday, he reprised that role in a production of Die Walküre at the Metropolitan Opera, the theater with which he is most closely associated.
In 2009, alongside Deborah Voigt, he also returned there to sing "Scarpia" in Puccini"s Tosca.
In addition to his imposing, well-trained voice and fine acting and musicianship, Morris, at 6 feet, 5 inches in height, had the physical stature to perform the heroic Wagnerian roles convincingly. His interpretations can be heard on a number of recordings that were made at the peak of his career. As of August 2015, Morris serves on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music.
1990 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording: Richard Wagner"s Die Walküre, with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
Member Actors Equity (Canada), American Guild Museum Artists.
Married Joanne Frances Vitali, November 15, 1971. 1 child, Heather Frances. Married Susan Louise Quittmeyer, January 3, 1987.
Children: (twins) Daniel Robert and Jennifer Louise.