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Meet the Barihunks…
For centuries it was the tenors who were famed for their dashing good looks. From Nemorino in 'L'Elisir d'amore' to Cavaradossi in Puccini's 'Tosca' it was always the tenor who got the girl. But then, thanks to one campaigning website, the Barihunk was born…
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1. Erwin Schrott
If there were a king of the Barihunks, it might well be the dashing Erwin Schrott. Here he is in a production of 'Don Giovanni' in the role of Leporello, with Dorothea Roeschmann as Donna Elvira. He's in a bit of a tight spot, it seems. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)
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2. Duncan Rock
Australian baritone Duncan Rock has wowed British audiences recently with a string of acclaimed performances at English National Opera and Glyndebourne. Here he is in the heart-breaking role of Britten's Billy Budd. Photo: Richard Hubert-Smith
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3. Mariusz Kwiecień
Polish baritone Mariusz Kwiecień plays peek-a-boo…
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4. Mariusz Kwiecień
And here he is again… posing with a motorbike this time. He's most recently been seen singing Don Giovanni at London's Royal Opera House.
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5. Simon Keenlyside
Is there any role this handsome baritone can't conquer? He's performed everything from the comic Papageno in Mozart's 'Magic Flute' to the devastating title role in Berg's 'Wozzeck'.
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6. René Pape and Jonas Kaufmann
Two of the most charming men in opera (we spoil you). But only one can claim the title 'Barihunk' (sorry Jonas). René Pape has one of those voices you can't forget. Here he's playing the role of the knight Gurnemanz opposite Kaufmann's 'Parsfial' in Wagner's opera.
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7. Christopher Maltman
Christopher Maltman – one of a line of distinguished Barihunks who have taken on the decidedly ambiguous role of Mozart's Don Giovanni. Here he is opposite Erwin Schrott as Leporello at the Salzburg Festival. Photo: AP
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8. Björn Bürger
This young German baritone is one to watch – he's already sung the roles of Papageno and Don Giovanni – and next year he'll be making his debut at the Glyndebourne Festival in the role of Figaro in Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville'
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9. Bryn Terfel
Our very own Bryn Terfel – that velvet-toned bass-baritone voice has conquered hearts around the world, whether he's singing Wagner's Wotan from the 'Ring' cycle or Tevye in 'Fiddler on the Roof'. Photo: Adam Barker/Deutsche Grammophon
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10. Gerald Finley
Gerald Finley is one of the best baritones around – his performance as Hans Sachs in Wagner's 'The Mastersingers of Nuremberg' at Glyndebourne was particularly special. Also: a lovely chap by all accounts. A well-deserved place in the Barihunks walk of fame
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11. Benjamin Appl
Another up-and-coming German baritone (with killer cheekbones) who has recently performed roles by Handel, Strauss, Puccini, Britten and Purcell. Did we mention the cheekbones?
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12. Hadleigh Adams
This Barihunk is relatively new to the opera (and Barihunks) scene. He can currently be found showing off his opera chops at San Francisco opera. Here he is in braces and a particularly dashing beard.
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13. Dmitry Hvorostovsky
The original Barihunk – the completely spellbinding Russian Dmitry Hvorostovsky. It's something about those low notes… Photo: Pavel Antonov
