Justino Díaz

Justino Díaz, born on January 29, 1940, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a distinguished operatic bass-baritone celebrated for his profound contributions to the world of opera. Raised in Cataño, he began his musical journey at a young age, singing in school activities and performing in his first play at just 10 years old. His passion for music led him to the University of Puerto Rico, where he honed his vocal skills in the university choir.

Díaz made his operatic debut in 1957 with Gian Carlo Menotti's *The Telephone*. He furthered his studies at the New England Conservatory, where he was mentored by Boris Goldovsky, who played a crucial role in shaping his career. Díaz's professional breakthrough came after winning third place at a Metropolitan Opera House competition, which propelled him to New York City.

In 1963, he achieved a historic milestone by winning the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, becoming the first Puerto Rican to do so. This victory led to his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in *Rigoletto* as Monterone. Over the years, he performed over 400 times in 28 roles at the Met, concluding his tenure in 1994 with a portrayal of Baron Scarpia in *Tosca*.

Díaz's impressive career includes performances at renowned venues such as La Scala, the Vienna Staatsoper, and the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. He notably participated in the inaugural performance at Lincoln Center in 1966, sharing the stage with Leontyne Price in *Antony and Cleopatra*. His remarkable artistry continues to leave a lasting impact on the opera world.