Placido Domingo

Painted in October 2007

Acrylic on canvas - 24 inch x 20 inch

£3,000

Autographed by Placido in July 2010

In the 1990’s I discovered the magical world of Opera and started to attend many incredible performances at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, The English National Opera, Holland Park Opera and many more, including the famous ‘Three Tenors’ concert at Wembley Stadium.

As I developed my painting skills in the early 2000’s I took the opportunity to paint a living legend on canvas.

Placido Domingo is the most accomplished Opera Tenor of all time, performing more roles than any other singer and regarded by many as the greatest of all time. I have had the good fortune of seeing him perform at the Three Tenors concert and in Puccini’s ‘Tosca’ at Covent Garden many years before, and his voice when heard live was quite unbelievable, breath taking.

I painted the portrait in October 2007 and tried to meet Placido when he appeared at the Royal Opera House that month, but despite travelling to London and waiting for a few hours by the stage door, he did not appear, possibly having another engagement within the theatre and my last train home was beckoning.

I waited another 3 years for Placido to return to Covent Garden and was delighted when I read he would appear again in July 2010, in Verdi’s 'Simon Boccanegra'.

I decided to write to The Royal Opera House and told them about my painting, along with a photo of it, and asked if it would be possible to meet Placido after his performance.

The Royal Opera House staff were amazing. They were impressed with my portrait and made wonderful compliments in their return letter and very kindly arranged for me to meet Placido Domingo after his performance. Instructing me to give my name at the stage door.

This time I drove to Covent Garden so there would be no trains to catch.

I arrived at the stage door, to my surprise the receptionist said I was invited to have a private meeting with Placido in his dressing room!

A member of staff guided me through the back corridors of the Opera house and as we arrived at his dressing room they said “Placido is still on stage, please wait outside his room, he won’t be long.”

Whilst pinching myself to be sure this was really happening, Placido walked along the corridor, in full costume and make-up. He gave a wonderful warm smile and said “Hello! Come in.” and I followed him into his dressing room where his wife was also waiting.

Feeling quite nervous at being in the dressing room of one of the greatest singers of all time, both Placido and his wife were incredibly warm hearted and friendly, they made me feel very welcome.  

I pulled my portrait out of its case.

When Placido saw it he said "Wow you rock!" and held the painting to show his wife.

He kindly wrote on it: 

'To Paul with best wishes, Thank you! Placido Domingo', 

and posed for a photo with me.

He then invited me to stay for a while as other guests entered the dressing room.

A truly magical moment I shall treasure forever.

Below is the video of him signing it.