Hampson Sings Hometown Praises

March 6, 2018 By easternmagazine

It would be easy to assume that baritone Thomas Hampson has moved on from his eastern Washington roots. The Eastern alumnus doesn’t need anyone new to mention that he’s distinctly gifted, naturally expressive, charismatic or good-looking (opera buffs call him “Thomas Handsome”). Audiences love him.

Hampson (’92 BA government) packs opera houses on both sides of the Atlantic. Critics laud him for his vast repertoire of operatic roles, all backed by extensive musicological research. More than that, he’s been an iconic figure in U.S. opera, championing the art to younger, successive generations.