Ermenegildo Zegna has announced the signing of the 2008 Classical BRIT nominee Gardar Thor Cortes as an ambassador for the global fashion brand.
The classical opera singer will join the ranks of Hollywood Oscar-winners Sir Michael Caine, Kenneth Branagh, Ewan McGregor and Adrian Brody.
The announcement coincides with the imminent release of Cortes’ second album, “When You Say You Love Me”, on Monday 30th June. Ermenegildo Zegna & Believer Music are hosting the launch of the new album on Thursday 26th June 2008 at Forbes House in London.
Last month, The Sunday Telegraph Magazine described Cortes as “Heir to Pavarotti’s crown”. Cortes’ No.1 selling self-titled debut album stayed at the top spot for 3 weeks in the UK last year and was Iceland’s fastest ever selling record. The album was nominated as Album of the Year at the 2008 Classical BRIT Awards.
‘When You Say You Love Me’ will combine classical music with a contemporary twist. The album will feature opera favourites such as ‘M’appari’ from Martha, ‘Pourquoi Me Reveiller’ from Werther, ‘Com’e gentil’ from Don Pasquale as well as a collection of new material. ‘When You Say You Love Me’ will be the first single to be released from the album.
Cortes began his career in acting, appearing first in West Side Story, and then going on to win the lead role of Raoul in Phantom of the Opera performing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. Cortes then secured a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music in London alongside Katherine Jenkins.
‘When You Say You Love Me’ will be released in the UK and Iceland on Monday 30th June. For more information on Gardar Thor Cortes visit www.officialcortes.com