Russian bass Konstantin Gorny ranks today among the young generation's most gifted actor-singers. His performances throughout Europe and Asia, in a broad repertoire encompassing the leading bass roles in the Italian, French and Russian repertoires, have drawn critical raves for the amplitude and beauty of his perfectly equalized voice - crowned in 2004 by a nomination as "Singer of the Year" by Opernwelt.

Born in Tambov, Russia, Gorny took his degree in Singing from Moscow's legendary Tchaikovsky Conservatory. He began his professional career auspiciously in 1993, appearing in the BREGENZ FESTIVAL as the High Priest in Verdi's “NABUCCO”. In that same year he performed as a guest artist with the BREMEN opera in the role of the Inquisitor in Prokoviev's “FIERY ANGEL”. The stage director for that production was Peter Konwitschny who has continued to be a profoundly significant influence on the artist's career development.

In the ensuing seasons Gorny has accepted invitations from many of Germany's leading lyric theaters; among them: the operas of LEIPZIG, DRESDEN, FRANKFURT, STUTTGART, as well as the BERLIN concert hall. By 1998 he had achieved international recognition, debuting with such important theaters as BARCELONA, CAGLIARI, GENOA, NAPLES, TURIN, PALERMO, STRASBOURG, BILBAO, BUDAPEST, ROME and TOKYO.

For many seasons the bass has been a regular guest star of the BARCELONA opera, a particular highlight of his work there was a series of “I PURITANI” performances during the 2001 season alongside Edita Gruberova - now preserved on DVD. Other among Gorny's career milestones included Tchaikovsky's “MAID OF ORLEANS” opposite Mirella Freni during the 2002 TURIN season. He returned there in 2003 as Banquo in Verdi's “MACBETH” under the baton on Bruno Bartoletti and the direction on David Pountey. He was further honored to appear in the PARMA Opera's VERDI 100 Gala, joining such preeminent colleagues as Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Leo Nucci and Ruggero Raimondi - and conducted by Zubin Mehta. And finally, in 2006 OPUS ARTE released a DVD of "THE TALES OF HOFFMANN" preserving his critically acclaimed portrayals of the villain: Lindorf, Coppelius, Dr. Miracle and Dappertutto.

Since 1997 Konstantin has been a permanent member of the highly esteemed opera ensemble of the Baden State Theatre in KARLSRUHE. In 2006, in recognition for his many years of success there he was honoured with title of ”Kammersänger“.

Among his most successful roles are: Mephistopheles (FAUST), Fiesco (SIMON BOCCANEGRA), Raimondo (LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR), Silva (ERNANI), Kochubey (MAZEPPA), Sparafucile (RIGOLETTO), Gremin (EUGENE ONEGIN), Sarastro (THE MAGIC FLUTE), Four Villains (THE TALES OF HOFFMAN), Oroveso (NORMA), Padre Guardiano (LA FORZA DEL DESTINO) Banquo (MACBETH), as well as the title roles ATTILA, DON QUICHOTTE, DON GIOVANNI and Boito’s MEFISTOFELE. It was for the interpretation of the latter role he was nominated by the Opera magazine ”OPERNWELT“ for Best Singer 2004.

Of particular interest, during the season 2007-08 Kammersaenger Gorny can be seen and heard at the ARENA DI VERONA in ”AIDA“ as well as in AMSTERDAM in „UN BALLO IN MASCHERA“. In KARLSRUHE he will be appearing as the Water Goblin (RUSALKA), Don Giovanni and as Sarastro (THE MAGIC FLUTE).