Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino” is one of the most difficult operas in the repertoire. It’s rarely performed for its sheer scale and the singers it requires. However, many of its arias and duets are well-known and it is an opera many singers dream of performing. This week, the work returns to the Opéra de Paris with an strong cast and perhaps one of the most exciting tenors singing today, Brian Jagde.

Jagde is set to make his role debut as Alvaro and his house debut in Paris. It will mark his fourth role debut of the season and his third house debut of the year. Jagde has become one of the most in-demand dramatic tenors of his generation as critics have raved about his “robust and soaring notes ” and “his youthful, handsome stage presence.” He has made a signature of roles like Calaf in “Turandot” and  Cavaradossi in “Tosca.”

This latest Verdi role comes after scoring major successes singing “Aida,” which he revealed to OperaWire in 2017 was his real Verdi role.  However, the tenor has performed Ismaele in “Nabucco” and Macduff in “Macbeth” to equally rave reviews. With Alvaro, Jagde is set to continue his rise in the opera world and reveal why is one of the most important dramatic tenors performing today.

And for those not in Paris, the non-stop debutant will continue making house debut in 2019-20 at the Dutch National Opera and Wiener Staatsoper and he will make a role debut in “Manon Lescaut.” The tenor will also return to the Metropolitan Opera for his first major role and his first HD with the company.

Recordings

For those not familiar with the tenor’s voice, Jagde is featured on the DVD of Korngold’s rarely performed “Das Wunder der Heliane” from the Deutsche Oper Berlin.

Here is the tenor performing “Nessun Dorma” from “Turandot.”

and “E Lucevan le stelle” from “Tosca.”