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Singer - Conductor - Administrator Working with the best He has had the privilege of working not only with most of the finest singers of his day – from those who were already at the end of their careers when he was beginning his to those who are starting their careers now – but also with most of the finest stage directors and conductors of this half-century. Observing outstanding conductors increased his own long-standing interest in conducting, and over the last twenty-five years he has conducted operas at most of the major theaters and has also done a fair amount of concert conducting. Administration Gradually he became involved in administration Gradually, he has become involved in administration, too. He was the music director of the Seville World’s Fair1992 and he was one of the founders of the Los Angeles Music Center Opera in 1984. Since the 1996/97 season he has been Director of the Washington National Opera and he also became Director in Los Angeles in July 2000. His interest in encouraging young vocal talent led him to create Operalia, his annual World Opera Contest, in 1993. It has been held in several major cities around the world. The Most Harrowing Experience The Mexican Earthquake in 1985 Even in a brief summary of his busy life, he must mention the most harrowing experience he has ever dealt with: the 1985 Mexican earthquake, in which four dear relatives of him lost their lives. He took part, physically, in the rescue operations, and he has since helped to raise millions of dollars for the victims. Bringing Joy to Millions of People On the whole, ... On the whole, however, he considers himself one of the luckiest people he knows, because, thanks to his art, he has been able to see much of the world and to bring a little joy to millions of people. This, more than anything else, is what has made having a special voice a wonderful gift for him.