Deutsche Grammophon signs tenor Jonathan Tetelman

Deutsche Grammophon (DG) has today announced the signing of an exclusive agreement with Jonathan Tetelman. The label’s president, Dr Clemens Trautmann announces that ‘we are delighted to welcome Jonathan to the Yellow Label,’ and adds that ‘critics have already compared him to the finest tenors of yesterday and today, comparisons justified by his exceptional artistry, vocal qualities and gift for expressive communication. He’s truly a major talent with a brilliant career ahead.’

The 33-year-old Chilean-American tenor, launched his career five years ago and is now recording his debut album with DG, set for international release in summer 2022. He comments that ‘It is a great personal honour to become part of Deutsche Grammophon’s family of artists,’ adding that ‘this album creates a portrait of what I feel represents my path as an artist, combining a few lesser-known works with arias and duets for the romantic tenor voice. We’re focusing on the Italian and fuller lyric French repertoire, which is a great place to start. Since making the switch from baritone to tenor, I have honed my craft and sharpened my focus. It’s an amazing thing for me now to record the results of all that work. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and determined to give my best.’ 

Born in 1988 in Castro, Chile, Tetelman was adopted by American parents and raised in Princeton, New Jersey. His vocal talents were spotted during childhood and he went on to earn his undergraduate degree as a baritone, from the Manhattan School of Music before going on to graduate studies at Mannes School of Music, where he began the gradual transition to tenor.

Andreas Kluge, DG’s senior manager for Artist Promotion and A&R, recalls first hearing Tetelman in a livestreamed performance of Zandonai’s Francesca da Rimini earlier this year, saying ‘I was immediately gripped by the quality of his voice, its striking timbre and strength, and by his film-star looks. When we met, it was clear that Jonathan is also blessed with great intelligence and an appealing, down-to-earth personality. We recorded a video production of opera arias and Italian songs with him in April and, following Jonathan’s concerts with Elīna Garanča and Maestro Chichon in July, scheduled his first album sessions in Las Palmas.’