John Mark Ainsley

7 pieces since 2011 — in 4 roles, at 2 companies, most often at Glyndebourne.

7 pieces
4 roles
2 companies
16 years

Role Bajazet

Saxon violence

His shaved head in striking contrast to his dark beard and glinting eyes, the implacable Tartar conqueror glowers at us from the CD cover, while the uncropped photo of countertenor Xavier Sabata (above) is even more disturbing, featuring his raised fist and forearm tightly wrapped in a leather belt.

By 22 comments

Role Captain Vere

Role Jonathan

Role Vere

Ship of fool

After the Georges Antheil opera that was my first assignment from La Cieca, I have to confess feeling slightly relieved when I opened the parterre package to find: Billy Budd!  And not only a Billy Budd, but one starring John Mark Ainsley!  The rest of the cast looked similarly starry (pardon the pun), so I […]

By 20 comments

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