February 28, 2025
On Thursday evening, baritone Donnie Ray Albert marked an extraordinary milestone—celebrating 50 years of performances in the world of opera and concert music. The occasion was commemorated with a recital at Bates Hall at the Butler School of Music, where Albert’s impressive career was honored. The event featured a number of Donnie's closest colleagues, each contributing to a celebration of his five decades of musical achievements.
Donnie Ray Albert and pianist James Maverick
Donnie Albert is a sought-after artist with opera companies and symphony orchestras around the globe. Throughout his career, he has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles Opera, and Houston Grand Opera. With roles in iconic productions such as La Traviata (as Germont), Der Ring des Nibelungen (as Wotan and the Wanderer), and Rigoletto, Albert’s voice has been heard across North America, Europe, and Asia. His collaborations with major orchestras in cities such as Washington, Chicago, Vienna, and his recorded work, which includes the Grammy-winning Porgy and Bessbe cement his legacy as a well-respected baritone of his generation.
Donnie Ray Albert, Pianist Tamar Sanikidze and Soprano Leah Crocetto
The recital was divided into three parts, each offering a unique musical experience that reflected Albert’s diverse and accomplished career. The first part featured Patti Wolf on piano, performing a selection of songs including Schubert’s Die Allmacht, Johnson’s City Called Heaven, Tchaikovsky’s Pilgrim’s Song, and Brahms’ Wenn ich mit Menschen. These pieces set the tone for the evening, highlighting the emotional depth and range of Albert’s vocal artistry.
Donnie Ray Albert and soprano Liliana Guerrero.
The second section of the recital featured pianist James Maverick, who accompanied Albert in a powerful set of works that displayed the artist's command of both classical and contemporary repertoires. The performance included Smith’s I Want to Die Easy, Owens and McKay’s If We Must Die, Owens and Hughes’ Genius Child and Faithful One, Adams’ Prayer For You, and Price’s Song to the Dark Virgin.
Donnie Ray Albert and Bass Mikhail Smigelskii embrace after singing M'ardon le tempia... Era meglio per te... from Simon Boccanegra.
The third and final part of the evening featured collaborations with many of the artists with whom he has shared the stage over the years. Tamar Sanikidze performed on piano, while vocalists Liliana Guerrero, Leah Crocetto, and Mikhail Smigelskii joined him in a stunning display of Verdi's repertoire. They performed Figlia, mio padre from Rigoletto, Ciel, mio padre… from Aida, and M'ardon le tempia… Era meglio per te… from Simon Boccanegra, bringing the evening to a grand and moving close.
Donnie Ray Albert and Soprano Leah Crocetto
As the evening drew to a close, the audience erupted in heartfelt applause, with many in the crowd shedding a few tears. The night was a true testament to the enduring legacy of Donnie Ray Albert, whose five decades of contributions to the world of music have left an indelible mark on the opera and concert world.
50 Years in Photos
