(Credit: © David Ruano)

This week, the Gran Theatre del Liceu opens a new production of “La Gioconda,” one of the most challenging operas in the repertoire. For the occasion, the Barcelona theater has put together two outstanding casts featuring some of today’s most renowned singers. Leading one of the casts is American tenor Michael Fabiano, who continues to expand his Italian repertoire.

The American tenor has become well-established for his Verdi and Puccini roles as well as his verismo repertoire. He has also performed works by Donizetti.

Now with Ponchielli, Fabiano brings his Bel Canto singing to the heroic part. In a recent interview with Opera Actual, the tenor spoke of the similarities of Ponchielli’s work with Verdi, stating, “Vocally, it’s not extremely difficult for me because it has a vocal line close to Verdi’s, and it’s very romantic. It’s a bit higher compared to other roles I usually sing. Even so, I like singing high roles because they’re like a gym, a vocal workout. And I really enjoy that.”

He also noted that Ponchielli’s music comes from the “Scapigliatura period,” which lies between Verdi’s style and verismo and that the composer was attempting “to open a new stylistic direction in singing.”

It’s a big year for the tenor and for those not in Barcelona, the opera will be streamed on Liceu+. Fabiano will also perform the title role of “Otello,” first in Spain and then in France.

Recordings

For those interested in hearing from Fabiano, you can listen to his Verdi-Donizetti album and his DVD recording of “La Boheme” from the Royal Opera House.

Here he is “Tosca” and “Turandot.”