Society of Singers honors Domingo

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Plácido Domingo, world renowned operatic tenor, conductor and artistic director -- will receive the 11th Annual Ella Award, presented by the Society of Singers to recognize singers for notable contributions both to music and to humanitarian causes and community support.

The award is named for its first recipient, legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. Previous recipients include Julie Andrews, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney and Peggy Lee.

Society of Singers President and CEO Marc R. Staenberg announced the selection of Domingo to receive the organization's top award.

"His stature as an artist, community supporter and mentor with virtually limitless energy and devotion to music is equaled by his talent, integrity and charm," said Staenberg.

Domingo, who serves as artistic director of both the Los Angeles and Washington Operas, holds the record for opening performances at New York's Metropolitan Opera and has sung an unrivaled 118 roles internationally.

He is widely regarded as the foremost interpreter of Verdi tenor parts over his 40-year career, and has carved out a reputation for leadership in the French repertoire and the operas of Wagner.

Domingo teamed with Luciano Pavarotti and José Carreras to form The 3 Tenors -- setting sales records for opera CDs, selling out arenas and generally cultivating a massive worldwide audience for their music.

Domingo has won eight Grammy Awards and two Latin Grammys. He has received Kennedy Center Honors and the UNICEF Socio de Honoz, and is scheduled to receive the Order of the French Legion of Honor next month.

His support for victims of Hurricane Pauline led CIDECO (Centro Integral de Desarrollo Comunitario) to name a housing project near Acapulco after him. Domingo was also instrumental in supporting relief efforts for earthquake victims in Mexico City.

Domingo was a founder of Operalia, a Paris-based non-profit organization that hosts an annual competition designed to mentor young opera singers and offer help in placing them professionally.

The Society of Singers -- co-founded in 1984 by Ginny Mancini, wife of legendary film score composer Henry Mancini -- provides social services for singers who have earned their primary living singing for at least five years. It also works with other entertainment industry professionals to advance vocal arts through scholarship programs.

Domingo will receive the honor on May 30 in a ceremony in Beverly Hills. The 11th Annual Ella Award -- a fund-raising event for the Society of Singers (singers.org) -- is open to the public.