Born in Hildesheim, Germany, on November 5, 1959, Thomas Quasthoff overcame remarkable personal challenges to emerge as one of the premier bass-baritones of his generation. Quasthoff was born with severe birth defects, never growing past the height of four feet and suffering phocomelia of the upper extremities. Because his condition left him physically unable to play piano, Quasthoff instead studied voice with a private tutor, concurrently attending law school. He also served for six years as an announcer for a German public radio outlet and worked as a television voice-over talent. He launched his musical career in 1988, claiming top honors in the esteemed ARD international competition. ~ Jason Ankeny