Artist Of Week: Stephen Costello

The American Tenor Makes A Major Role & House Debut

By Francisco Salazar

Stephen Costello has long been one of the leading lyric tenors of his generation. His vocal beauty and stage presence have brought great acclaim and his vast repertoire has also shown his virtuosic power. This week Costello makes a major house debut, as well as a big role debut that will once again show the diversity that Costello has to offer.

A winner of the Richard Tucker award, the tenor will make his debut at the Liceu de Barcelona in Donizetti’s “La Favorite.” Known for its vocal challenges and high tessitura, it is one of the ultimate Bel Canto challenges for tenor both vocally and dramatically. Costello has tested his skills numerous times such Donizetti works as “Anna Bolena” and “L’Elisir d’Amore,” so this should be a welcome addition to the tenor’s repertoire.

It is also the first of many role debuts in a season that will see Costello sing his first “Carmen” at the Dallas Opera. He is also slated to debut in Japan, singing Pinkerton in “Madama Butterfly” for the first time. Costello will also return to some of his signature roles including Alfred in “La Traviata” at the Hamburg Opera and Metropolitan Opera. He will also sing Rodolfo in “La Bohème” at Dresden.

Recordings

For those not familiar with Costello’s voice, the tenor is featured on a DVD of “Otello” as Cassio as well as on a DVD of Jake Heggie’s “Moby Dick.” He also recorded a duets album with soprano Ailyn Pérez and also recorded “Linda di Chamonix” alongside Eglise Gutierrez and Ludovic Tézier. And here is a recording of Costello performing “Vivi Tu” from “Anna Bolena” at the Metropolitan Opera.

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