Wiesław Ochman | |
|---|---|
 Ochman in 2023 | |
| Born | (1937-02-06)6 February 1937 (age 88) |
| Alma mater | AGH University of Science and Technology |
| Occupation | Opera singer (tenor) |
| Years active | 1960–present |
| Relatives | Krystian Ochman (grandson) |
| Awards | Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta(2001) Gold Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis(2005) |
Wiesław Ochman (Polish pronunciation:[ˈvjɛswafˈɔxman]; born 6 February 1937) is a Polishtenor.
In 1960, he graduated from theAGH University of Science and Technology inKraków,Poland. Ochman began learning voice under the direction of Gustaw Serafin in Kraków (1955–1959) and Maria Szłapak inBytom (1960–1963). In 1960, he joined theSilesian Opera inBytom, where he sang for three seasons, in 1963 and 1964; and then, at theOpera Krakowska. He performed at the Teatr Wielki in Warsaw from 1964 till 1970. In 1965 he sang the tenor lead Jontek in the "national Polish opera"Halka byStanisław Moniuszko in the opening performance in the reconstructed Teatr Wielki. He recorded that role and it is now available on compact disc.
Wiesław Ochman began his international career in 1967 with theBerlin State Opera. He sang in Munich and Hamburg. He achieved his first successes in competition at festivals inGlyndebourne andSalzburg. In 1972, he was engaged by theParis Opera, and consecutively by operas in Chicago and San Francisco. He also performed in Milan'sLa Scala, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Moscow and Vienna.[1] In 1975 with the role of Arrigo in the operaThe Sicilian Vespers byGiuseppe Verdi, Ochman made his debut atNew York'sMetropolitan Opera.[2]
Wiesław Ochman recorded 31 vinyl records, most of them in Poland.
In 1980, he was awarded theCity of Kraków Award and in 1996 he received theOrder of the Smile.[3] In 2001, he was awarded by then President of PolandAleksander Kwaśniewski theCommander's Cross with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta for his outstanding achievements in the field of culture.[4] In 2005, he became a recipient of theGold Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis.[5]
He married his wife, Krystyna, in 1963. He is the grandfather of singerKrystian Ochman, the winner of theeleventh season ofThe Voice of Poland and the winner ofPoland's national selection to represent the country at theEurovision Song Contest 2022.[6][7]
