Artist of the Week: Michael Fabiano
American Tenor to Debut Calaf in Rome’s New Production of ‘Turandot’
By Francisco SalazarThe Teatro dell’Opera di Roma is set to present a new production of “Turandot” featuring one of the greatest contemporary artists in the world, a renowned conductor, and a cast of up and coming singers and all-stars. The production will also see the role debut of one of opera’s brightest stars.
Michael Fabiano will sing his first Calaf, a role that is known for the aria “Nessun Dorma.” It will also mark his debut at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. Fabiano noted that the “long-awaited production is set on a world map reimagined in ruins, a world in which the mythology of China is overlaid on the politics of today, a world where Calaf is portrayed as a refugee fighting to be recognized by the establishment.”
The role comes after Fabiano has been singing numerous Puccini roles. He has thus far sung Ruggero in ‘La Rondine,” Rodolfo in “La Boheme” and Cavaradossi in “Tosca.” For his Puccini roles, OperaWire has raved noting “Michael Fabiano displayed a fresh sound with an uncommonly big and potent squillo.”
For those that are not in Rome for the performances, the new production will be broadcast on Rai 5 on March 24 and on the radio on March 22. The tenor is also set to make his debut at the Washington National Opera and will also return to the Teatro San Carlo, Teatro Real, and Santa Fe Opera.
Recordings
For those not familiar with Fabiano’s voice, the tenor has recordings of “Poliuto,” and “La Traviata” from the Glyndebourne Festival, “Lucrezia Borgia” from the San Francisco Opera, and “La Boheme” from the Royal Opera House, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Opera.