Artist Of The Week: Gregory Kunde Scales The Heights Of Andrea Chenier
By Francisco Salazar“Andrea Chenier” is considered one of the pinnacles of the dramatic tenor repertoire. It is known for its lyrical arias and vocal intensity. It is also an iconic role that every spinto tenor is dying to take on.
This week Gregory Kunde performs on his first Andrea Chenier in Giordano’s famous drama at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. The addition of the role continues to show his strength in the Verismo genre after having performed Puccini’s ‘Manon Lescaut.”
Additionally, it continues to expand his immense repertoire and allows audiences to see the tragic side to this great artist. At 63, Kunde continues to gain rave reviews with critics stating, “phrases came out with nice bel canto contours, there was plenty of expression in the voice.”
For his performances in Rome, the tenor will share the stage with his frequent on-stage partner Maria José Siri with whom he has sung “Un Ballo in Maschera,” ‘Manon Lescaut,” and “Aida” among others.
This season the tenor will also perform Verdi’s “Otello” at the Covent Garden in London and will also return to the United States for a recital at the Opera Naples. He is also scheduled to appear as Calaf in Puccini’s ‘Turandot” in Tel Aviv.
Kunde is one of the most acclaimed tenors of his generations. He began his career as a Bel Canto singer specializing in the operas of Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini. He also showcased his talents in many of the greatest French lyric roles before switching to the heavier works by Verdi and Puccini. Kunde recently became the first tenor in operatic history to have interpreted both Rossini and Verdi’s “Otello” in the same season.
Recordings
With so much acclaim the tenor has an immense discography and videography. Among some of his most iconic are Berlioz’s “Les Troyens” at the Théâtre du Châtelet, “Benvenuto Cellini” and Verdi “Otello” from the Palazzo Ducale in Venice.
He also has numerous recorded accounts of Donizetti, Delibes and Rossini works including “Zelmira” and “Ermione.” He also recorded Mahler’s “Das Lied von der Erde.”