Gregory Kunde Tenor. Reviews. Renato des Grieux in Puccini Manon Lescaut / Teatro Regio, cond. Vittorio Borelli, dir. Jean Reno

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1 Gregory Kunde Tenor Reviews Renato des Grieux in Puccini Manon Lescaut / Teatro Regio, cond. Vittorio Borelli, dir. Jean Reno Gregory Kunde s voice is robust and resounding... when it came to expressing him overwhelming passion for Manon, Kunde was thrilling. Opera, July 2017 Title role Andrea Chénier / Teatro Arriaga de Bilbao, cond. Stefano Ranzani, dir. Alfonso Romero The electrifying duo formed by Gregory Kunde and Anna Pirozzi is magnificent... Sharing the same vocal authority, volcanic temperament and musical instinct, when their voices are united they bring the audience to their feet. This is particularly admirable in the context of a fiendish score which demands both tenderness and valour. Kunde dazzles in the title role with his elegance, energy and the brilliant health of a voice that seems limitless; moving from poet, to fiery lover to proud revolutionary. All his appearances are remarkable, but the Si, fui soldato in the third act was particularly moving through its overwhelming authority. Their final, impassioned duet will be remembered for a long time, which generated a thrill of passion and generosity and was both transcended and supported by the lush orchestration. Those rare moments remind us why opera will always draw crowds. Classique News, May 2017

2 Manrico in Verdi Il Trovatore/ Royal Opera House, cond. Richard Farnes, dir. David Bösch As Manrico... Gregory Kunde inspires admiration. The sustained line is excellent, the phrasing impeccable. The voice of the American tenor has expanded in breadth, enabling him to offer an impeccable "Ah! si, ben mio with magnificent breath control. The following "Di quella pira" is electric, with two magnificent top Cs" Forum Opera, January 2017 Title role, Verdi Otello / Cincinnati May Festival, cond. James Conlon Gregory Kunde, whose seething Otello will be remembered as one of the great portrayals on Music Hall s stage. From Kunde s first notes as the conquering hero, it was clear that this would be a formidable Otello" Cincinnati.com, May 2016 Title role Idomeneo / Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, cond. Fabio Biondi, dir. Davide Livermore "The great draw of this Idomeneo was the presence of Gregory Kunde in the title role, and his performance was impressive. All opera lovers know that the highlight for Idomeneo is the aria 'Fuor del Mar,' which was particularly brilliant in this case." Seen and heard international, April 2016 Gregory Kunde shines as Idomeneo El Pais, April 2016 the versatile Gregory Kunde, who made a stunning king Idomeneo El Periodico, May 2016 Title role Rossini Otello / Orchestra of Opera Vlaanderen, Cond. Alberto Zedda, Most impressive of the principals is Gregory Kunde, whose keen enunciation and fluent, heroic tone both grand and thrilling when required is just what is needed in the title role. Opera, March 2016

3 Manrico in Verdi Il Trovatore / Festival de Ópera de Coruña, cond. Keri Lynn Wilson, dir. Mario Pontiggia The orchestra and singers gave a performance of the highest degree; Gregory Kunde... proved to possess an eminent level of vocal and dramatic quality La Opinión A Coruña, September 2015 The Manrico Kunde was superb vocally and dramatically El País, September 2015 The title character was sung by Gregory Kunde, who offered an excellent Manrico... He was excellent in the aria 'Ah, si ben mio,' and quite brilliant in the much-anticipated 'Pira'... The truth is that Gregory Kunde is in a sweet moment and it is a pleasure to listen to him singing. His belcanto sets a fine example for all the trumpeter tenors who are quite common in this opera. Seen and Heard International, September 2015 Turiddu in Mascagni Cavalleria rusticana and Canio in Leoncavallo Pagliacci / Opera de Bilbao, cond. Alessandro Vitiello, dir. Joan Anton Rechi The American singer was the biggest asset of the new productions of Cavalleria rusticana and pagliacci at the ABAO-OLBE (April 25). With a solid centre to the voice and ringing high notes, Kunde, thanks to his bel canto background, avoided any vulgarities, presenting a strong Turiddu and, more especially, a gripping Canio, his Vesti la giubba enhanced by fine phrasing. Opera, September 2015 Radamès in Verdi Aida / Fondazione Arena di Verona, cond. Andrea Battistoni, dir. Franco Zeffirelli Gregory Kunde is the best tenor around at the moment L'Arena, August 2015 Title role in Verdi Otello / Peralada Auditorium, cond. Riccardo Frizza, dir. Paco Azorin American tenor Gregory Kunde was Otello, and he arrived after playing the same character, but in Rossini s opera, at La Scala. I wonder if there has been any tenor in history that has made both Otellos compatible. Kunde gave us remarkable singing and intense acting and was totally convincing. Seen and Heard International, August 2015 In this mythical role where power and heroism are the absolute pain caused by jealousy, Gregory Kunde is exceptional. Concert Classic, August 2015

4 Title role in Verdi Otello / Theatro Municipal de São Paulo, cond. John Neschling, dir. Giancarlo Del Monaco Gregory Kunde has also sung Rossini s Otello in his time and is now making a considerable success of the Verdi role. With unfailing musicality he sings (no sheltering in parlato) the role throughout; his command of technique, along with convincing acting skills, ensures an impressive portrait. One particular detail is telling: when he sings l uragano he reaches the high A without skipping the appoggiatura on high B, as quite a number of other singers do. Opera, July 2015 Pollione in Bellini Norma / Gran Teatre del Liceu, cond. Renato Palumbo, dir. Kevin Newbury Gregory Kunde s Pollione was a marvel of vocal security and bel canto style. Opera Magazine, July 2015 "When a theatre has Gregory Kunde as Pollione, the title of the opera could perfectly well be Norma and Pollione. The American tenor is at a very sweet moment, and his presence in this role is a real treat... His performance was a real delight" Seen and Heard International, February 2015 Title role in Rossini Otello / Teatro alla Scala, cond. Muhai Tang, dir. Jürgen Flimm Kunde's Act I cavatina 'Ah! sì, per voi già sento' began lugubrious and molten, but chilled to a tormented monologue by Act III's 'Eccomi giunto inosservato'. A bronzed, resonant middle over a dramatic lower register made for a disarming, lyric top the Act II duettino was an incredible mix of burnished glean polished by Jago's quicksilver. Bachtrack, July 2015 Othello was played by Gregory Kunde, generous of force and vigour, with flashes of his former brilliant sopracuti. Il Giornale, July 2015 DVD: Title role in Rossini Otello / Teatro La Fenice, cond. Myung-Whun Chung, dir. Francesco Micheli Gregory Kunde, a tenor formerly associated with Bellini, makes a commanding, clarion-voiced Otello, secure and musicianly throughout. Opera, February 2015

5 Title role in Verdi Otello / Teatro Regio, cond. Gianandrea Noseda, dir. Walter Sutcliffe "For me the principle pleasure of the performance was my first experience of the new dramatic tenor Gregory Kunde... his voice now sounds huge, equal to everything Verdi throws at his anti-hero, and his musicianship brought plenty of pathos to Otello s love music and the remorse of the final scene." Opera, February 2015 Solid and supported throughout his range, Kunde contrasted the dynamics in the music to fine effect, such as in Dio! Mi potevi scagliar tutti I mali here more a study in self obsession than the usual expression of madness. He presented himself as a victim of bullying, who goes on to bully and worse. Opera Now, January 2015 Gregory Kunde has sung on the professional stage for more than 35 years and is still singing brilliantly at 60. His voice is powerful and burnished, combined with a modulating phrasing and a flawless diction. He was also a great actor: he himself and Desdemona (Erika Grimaldi) provided intense moments. Bachtrack, October 2014 DVD: Title role in Verdi Otello / Teatro la Fenice di Venezia, cond. Myung-Whun Chung, dir. Francesco Micheli Kunde impresses me, by the solidity of his tone, its rich colouring and the ring of powerful upper notes. He plays the role commandingly Kunde gives a winning portrayal all round. International Record Review, November 2014 Rodolfo in Verdi Luisa Miller / Theatre Royal, cond. Massimo Zanetti, dir. Jean-Claude Fall Gregory Kunde is a phenomenon Online Musik Magazin, November 2014 Verdi Requiem / Teatro Regio, cond. Gianandrea Noseda Endowed with an exquisitely bronzed and burnished voice, he knows how to sing Verdi and his phrasing is skilful he displayed his magnetic presence and took good care of all the musical flourishes, especially in the charming rendition of 'Ingemisco.' BachTrack, October 2014 Title role Otello / Palazzo Ducale, Venice [DVD: Live] / Cond. Myung- Whun Chung, dir. Francesco Micheli Gregory Kunde, a genuine tenor rather than baritonal Otello, is strong and forthright throughout. Gramophone, September 2014

6 Don Alvaro La forza del destino, cond. Zubin Mehta, dir. Davide Livermore Gregory Kunde once again amazed with his effortless Don Alvaro: the tessitura held no terrors for him, and his phrasing was eloquent. Opera, October 2014 "... American tenor Gregory Kunde was triumphant as Otello, which today is one of his star roles. The evolution of this singer, formerly a light-lyric tenor, has been amazing. It is marvellous that, aged 60 the strength of his sound and the extent and range of his instrument remains intact. El Cultural, May 2014 American tenor Gregory Kunde, aged 60, exhibited a beautiful timbre, power and sensitivity in his phrasing, and technical mastery that amazed the audience, who were eager to show their appreciation his Don Alvaro was strong, sensitive and brilliant. Valencia Plaza, June 2014 "Gregory Kunde expertly portrayed his anguish with a flowing, bright and warm sound If he shone in the famous scene that starts the third Act (La vita è inferno' alas), he was even better in the duets with Don Carlo and Leonora. El País, June 2014 Enée Les Troyens / La Scala, cond. Antonio Pappano, dir. David McVicar Gregory Kunde, who has turned sixty but seems physically and vocally to be twenty years younger, boasts a solid instrument which is absolutely marvellous. A tenor that seems to renew itself with time, becoming the perfect prototype for the contemporary style of nineteenth century grand opera... nothing short of historic." Giornale Dei Lavoratori, April 2014 Title role Otello / Vlaamse Opera, cond. Alberto Zedda, dir. Moshe Leiser & Patrice Caurier Gregory Kunde as Otello was a big surprise. His transition from Rossinian to Verdian tenor is complete I found his untiring, clear tenor and his noble impersonation entirely successful. Opera, April 2014 Kunde is a unique singer, since he also has Verdi s Otello in his repertoire Since his last appearance in Amsterdam Kunde s voice has become more dramatic, almost a heldentenor. It turns out that Rossini suits him just as well as Verdi. He contrasted fantastically with his rival Rodrigo. Opera magazine (Netherlands), February 2014 Title role Peter Grimes / Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia (concert performance), cond. Antonio Pappano There was exceptional singing from a cast led by Gregory Kunde as Grimes. Opera, February 2014

7 Vasco de Gama L Africaine / Teatro La Fenice, cond. Emmanuel Villaume, dir. Leo Muscato A heroic tenor with a bel canto background. He was as exciting as the role demands, and that bel canto experience showed in the way he shaped phrases, not least in the opera s most famous number, O Paradis, sung with more line-caressing subtlety than Domingo brings to it on DVD the climaxes of O Paradis and the love duet were wonderfully old-fashioned operatic moments such as one seldom hears today. Opera, February 2014 The great triumph lies with Gregory Kunde With an edge to the sound, and a valour in the delivery which was thrilling, the American tenor gave an exceptional performance. Opéra magazine, December 2013 Title role Otello / Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova, cond. Andrea Battistoni, dir. Davide Livermore His timbre [is] expressive of the most profoundly complex emotional response he was demonstrating a subtlety and variety of feeling reserved only for the great. We are in the presence of a tenor who succeeded on the wrong side of fifty - not only in leaving a considerable mark on the non-plus-ultra of Italian roles, but in becoming its current most plausible testimonial. Opera Britannia, January 2014 Gregory Kunde was a magnificent Otello: with an immense voice, which was also flexible and capable of extreme refinement. It is enough simply to remember the love duet in the first act. L Arena, December 2013 Title role Otello / Palau de les Arts Valencia, Mediterranean Festival, cond. Zubin Mehta Tonight s Otello though was nothing short of a triumph The voice carries exceptionally well, the top free and easy and completely secure throughout the range. How wonderful it is to hear an Otello with glorious bronze tone, who doesn t bark, who gives exquisite pianissimi in the love duet and who also has the volume for a thrilling esultate. What s more, his singing was thoroughly Italianate the style, the language, the use of words it was impeccable. Simply outstanding. Opera Traveller, June 2013 The biggest triumph of the evening was American tenor Gregory Kunde, whose portrayal of Otello was vocally powerful yet beautiful and nuanced with near-perfect phrasing, in a role which is very demanding both vocally and dramatically MSN News, Chile, June 2013

8 Powered by TCPDF ( Title Role in Verdi Otello / La Fenice, cond. Myung-Whun Chung, dir. Francesco Michelis Gregory Kunde gave a compelling portrayal of Otello both vocally and dramatically. Opera Now, February 2013 "Kunde s performance was formidable. Financial Times, November 2012 Gregory Kunde as Otello [has] the ringing tones necessary for the sudden thrilling outbursts that characterise the opera. The Telegraph, November 2012 Mahler Das Lied von der Erde (Naxos) [The strings ] lean but incisive quality makes for some real chamber-musical moments many of which tenor Gregory Kunde sensitively shares. Indeed, the two drinking songs and the porcelain-pavilion intermezzo are as energised as any on disc. Kunde can manage the impossibly high tessitura and never forces his voice BBC Music Magazine, February 2012 Intermusica represents Gregory Kunde worldwide, excluding Italy and Spain and USA. Julia Maynard, Director / Head of Vocal & Opera , jmaynard@intermusica.co.uk Eleanor Freedman, Artist Manager, Vocal & Opera , efreedman@intermusica.co.uk