Sam Ramey is a 2105 Opera News award winner.

Sam Ramey, a member of the Honorary Board of the Friends of the Rossini Opera Festival has been chosen as one of the 2015 recipients of the prestigious Opera News awards, presented by the Metropolitan Opera Guild.

He has sung a variety of roles at the Met, but for some, his most memorable was in Rossini’s Semiramide where he, along with another Honorary Board member, June Andersen, created such sparks ( both coloratura and dramatic) on stage that it seemed like the scenery was at risk for catching on fire.

Ramey’s importance for Rossini cannot be underestimated. From his delightful Viaggio ( in the “original” with Abbado) to the masterful in Maometto, we have been blessed by his talent and commitment to his art.

Hats off to a master, and congratulations!!

Photo: Samuel Ramey in ROF 1985 “Maometto”. Credit: Studio tornasole.