Crítica: Gala del Concierto del Concurso Tenor Viñas 2024

Beckmesser

(translated from Spanish to English): Of the five participants, the well-pitched voices of the baritone Christian Pursell and the mezzo Marcela Rahal stood out. The first began in an impressive way with “Sibillar gli angui d’Aletto” from Handel’s “Rinaldo”, strongly supported by the brass, showing flow, timbre and ease in the coloraturas. He expressed the same in the “Sorgete, sorgette” of “Maometto II” by Rossini, to show his capacity for drama in the cavatina of “Aleko” by Rachmaninov. He will make a career.

GONZALO ALONSO

Des Moines Metro Opera offers musically triumphant Carmen

Schmopera

Christian Pursell certainly brought swagger to the role of Escamillo, the famous toreador and Don José’s rival for Carmen’s heart. Pursell’s Escamillo was a bit of a pretty boy with long flowing locks and a flashy sense of fashion. The baritone performed arguably the catchiest tune of the opera with his act two aria, strutting the stage like a true peacock. Pursell’s vocal performance was satisfying, but I wanted him to turn up the machismo just a few more notches. The chemistry between Escamillo and Carmen led to the most convincing flirtation of the opera, and their interactions in the final act were surprisingly tender.

MEGHAN KLINKENBORG