Opera legend Plácido Domingo receives UCLA Medal
Cultural and AthleticFor a decades-long career of artistic genius and his dedication to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of operatic artists, Plácido Domingo was awarded the UCLA Medal in ceremonies at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music on Nov. 12.
In presenting the honor, Chancellor Block saluted Domingo’s accomplishments as an artist and his decades of advancing opera and music education in Los Angeles and around the world — as well as his contributions to society beyond the arts. Domingo has personally mentored hundreds of young talents in youth training programs he has established and supported in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Spain.
“These programs can change the lives of emerging artists. They also allow Maestro Domingo to tend to the future of his art form, to help preserve its cultural heritage and help pass it on to future generations,” Block said.
During his brief remarks, Block praised Domingo for also raising funds for earthquake and hurricane relief in Mexico, Puerto Rico, El Salvador and Louisiana, and he reminded the 500-plus in attendance at Schoenberg Hall that in 1994 Domingo was an adjunct professor at UCLA.