Tony Tommasini was favorably impressed. With Anna Netrebko as the doomed Ann Boleyn but also with Stephen Costello, reprising the role he sang so beautifully with the Dallas Opera last season:
“The tenor Stephen Costello won a hearty ovation for his Riccardo (Lord Percy, Anna’s former lover). This was a big assignment for the gifted and game young tenor. Mr. Costello captured the character’s consuming adoration for Anna through his impetuous and anguished singing.
“The role includes a touchstone tenor aria, “Vivi tu,” in which the condemned Riccardo implores his friend Lord Rocheford (Anna’s brother, here the solid bass-baritone Keith Miller) to evade the king’s wrath and go on living. Mr. Costello mostly navigated the music’s demanding passagework and exposed high notes. To hear this rising artist stretching himself was part of the excitement.”
Catch the entire “New York Times” review right here.
Stephen also created the role of “Greenhorn” in the world premiere of Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s “Moby-Dick” in 2010 at the Dallas Opera, and has portrayed the romantic lead in a wide variety of roles at TDO.
Isn’t it great to hear the rest of the opera world applauding?
Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media and PR