Ben Heppner
Ben Heppner is universally renowned as a fine dramatic tenor who excels in the most challenging roles, from Wagner’s Tristan and Lohengrin to Verdi’s Otello and Berlioz’s Aeneas. He is acclaimed worldwide for his beautiful voice, intelligent musicianship and sparkling dramatic sense, and his performances on the opera stage, in concert and in recordings have set new standards in his demanding repertoire.
Ben Heppner first gained national attention in 1979 as the winner of the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s Talent Festival. In 1988, he was the winner of the Metropolitan Opera auditions, and he has been both a Grammy and a Juno Award winner. In 2002, he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada.
He has performed throughout Europe and North America, including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie and the New York Metropolitan. His performance in Tristan und Isolde at the Met was simulcast in cinemas throughout North America and the UK.
After retiring from singing in 2014 Heppner is currently a broadcaster on Canadian radio, hosting Saturday Afternoon at the Opera and Backstage with Ben Heppner on CBC Radio.