San Francisco Opera Center Announces 2018 Adler Fellows

Broadway World

"San Francisco Opera Center Director Sheri Greenawald today announced the eleven recipients of the 2018 Adler Fellowship. Eight singers, two pianist/apprentice coaches and one director will take part in the program. The multi-year performance-oriented residency offers advanced young artists intensive individual training, coaching and professional seminars, as well as a wide range of performance opportunities. Adler Fellows are selected from the artists who have participated in the Merola Opera Program. The prestigious fellowship has nurtured the development of more than 175 young artists since its inception."

Outstanding Singers in Merola 2017 Grand Finale

The Berkeley Daily Planet

"It was followed by another outstanding performance, this time by bass-baritone Christian Pursell in the aria Massime così indegne” from Handel’s Rinaldo. Singing with power and conviction, Pursell was ably joined by mezzo-soprano Edith Grossman."

Rossini’s LA CENERENTOLA Shines in Merola Production

The Berkeley Daily Planet

"But Pursell has great comic flair, which was evident in his Act II introduction to a duet with Don Magnifico about “Un segreto d’importanza.” Pursell even used multiple voices, breaking into falsetto at one point to imitate the cloying caterwauling of the sisters Tisbe and Clorinda."

SF Opera's Merola Program Produces Endless Cinderella Stories

SFIST

"It is easy to steal the show with Dandini's part, it has plenty of comic relief as the valet enjoying the life as the king. But baritone Christian Pursell's voice had a pleasing directness, an effortless volume and tonal steadiness, he was just more than comedic fodder, he was a wonder to listen to."

 

2017 Richard Tucker Award Goes to Soprano Nadine Sierra

Broadway World

"2017 Sara Tucker Study Grants of $5,000 apiece go to ... countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, tenor Alexander McKissick, bass-baritone Christian Pursell, bass-baritone Cody Quattlebaum, mezzo-soprano Taylor Raven, tenor Jack Swanson, and soprano Vanessa Vasquez."

A Look At The 2017 Richard Tucker Foundation Grant Winners

Operawire

"This award is given to seven young singers who are showing great promise at the start of their respective careers. Each recipient earns $5,000 apiece. The winners this year are countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, tenor Alexander McKissick, bass-baritone Christian Pursell, bass-baritone Cody Quattlebaum, mezzo-soprano Taylor Raven, tenor Jack Swanson, and soprano Vanessa Vasquez."

At Cincinnati Opera, a gay love story unfolds in the shadows of McCarthy era

Chicago Tribune

"Among the worthy supporting singers were Devon Guthrie as Mary Johnson, Hawkins' sharp-eyed office assistant; baritone and Ryan Opera Center alumnus Paul Scholten as Tommy McIntyre, a reporter; baritone Marcus DeLoach as the grandstanding McCarthy; bass-baritone Christian Pursell and baritone Vernon Hartman, both taking multiple roles."