German baritone Matthias Goerne was born in Weimar on 31 March 1967 into a musical family, and knew by the age of nine that he wanted to become a professional singer. He studied with Hans-Joachim Beyer in Leipzig, then later with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf.
Goerne made his professional debut in J S Bach's St Matthew Passion with Kurt Masur conducting in Leipzig in 1990.
He has made many highly-regarded recordings, including twelve CDs of Schubert lieder for harmonia mundi, and has appeared live in many different countries.
Spotlight. Shostakovich at his Sardonic Best - Geoff Pearce listens to symphonies by Dmitri Shostakovich connected to the year 1917. '... a very interesting and fine set.'
CD Spotlight. Lush and Tender - Geoff Pearce recommends a new recording of orchestral music and songs by Franz Schreker. '... these performances make a very compelling case to perform Schreker's music much more often.'
CD Spotlight. A Pleasant Surprise - Schubert songs with orchestral accompaniments, highly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'An absolute peach of a disc where everything falls into place with astute precision.'
Ensemble. The Humanity of Wozzeck - Alban Berg from Salzburg, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Wonderful Playing - Christoph Eschenbach and the Vienna Philharmonic visit Brisbane, reviewed by Gillian Wills
CD Spotlight. A Forthright Approach - J S Bach's St Matthew Passion, recommended by Howard Smith. '... the Ex Cathedra performance is a triumph.'
Ensemble. An Absolute Delight - Maria Nockin finds perfection in Los Angeles Opera's revival of Peter Hall's 1993 production of 'The Magic Flute'
Record Box. A Triumph - Matthias Goerne sings Schubert, enjoyed by Robert Anderson