Matti Salminen

Finnish Operatic Bass Singer

Matti Salminen is a renowned Finnish operatic bass singer, celebrated for his powerful voice and commanding stage presence. Born on July 7, 1945, in Turku, Finland, Salminen has had a distinguished career in opera, performing at many of the world's leading opera houses including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Vienna State Opera. He is particularly noted for his performances in the works of Richard Wagner and has been acclaimed for his portrayals of characters such as Hagen in "Götterdämmerung," King Marke in "Tristan und Isolde," and the title role in "The Flying Dutchman." His deep bass has made him ideal for roles like Sarastro in Mozart's "The Magic Flute" as well. Over the years, Salminen has also appeared on numerous recordings of operas and other classical works, contributing to his reputation as one of the leading basses of his generation.