Placido Domingo accepts ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Placido Domingo has added his name to the growing list of celebrities who have accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge in support of the ALS Assn.

In the video seen above, the 73-year-old Spanish tenor said he accepted the challenge from Formula 1 racer Fernando Alonso. In turn, the singer nominated soprano Anna Netrebko, pianist Lang Lang and singers from Il Volo for the challenge.

The Ice Bucket Challenge raises money and awareness for researching amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The challenge, which has been criticized recently for becoming a publicity stunt, has grown into an online phenomenon featuring celebrities, athletes, politicians and musicians.

Domingo is the general director of Los Angeles Opera and will appear next month in the company’s production of “La Traviata” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Other local cultural leaders who have accepted the challenge include Michael Ritchie of the nearby Center Theatre Group and staff members of the Geffen Playhouse and Pasadena Playhouse.

Twitter: @DavidNgLAT