Artists with enough ‘oomph’?
At all of these vocal contests, including this one, I find myself fascinated and perplexed by the same question: What exactly are the judges looking for?
Christian Simmons
5 pieces since 2022 — in 5 roles, at 4 companies, most often at Washington National Opera.
5
pieces
5
roles
4
companies
5
years
By role
Role bass-baritone
Role Devil
Better the devil you know
America’s own Faust gets a compelling operatic treatment, courtesy of DC’s IN Series
Role Figaro
Le nozze di Picasso
Wolf Trap Opera kicked off its summer season with an inventive production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro inspired by Pablo Picasso that showcased up-and-coming singers.
Role Nourabad
Pearl Jam
Washington Concert Opera returned to its roots with a delightful performance of Georges Bizet’s Les Pêcheurs de perles.
Role Zuniga
Room temperature
It’s maybe not a surprise that Carmen is neither a good vocal nor temperamental fit for Isabel Leonard.
I’ll take the fall
The days are getting shorter, but you can keep the prattle going this fall’s Talk of the Town! You will, you can, you must join in the discussion about: Great mezzo soprano performances (October),
Gained in translation (November), Teleport me back to… (December).