Press
Nel corso dell’evento si sono esibiti al fianco della FORM – Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiana diretta da Alessandro Bonato i cinque premiati della competizione: il mezzo-soprano Ekaterine Buachidze (Georgia, 1° premio), il basso-baritono Christian Pursell (USA, 2° premio ex-aequo), il soprano Yerang Park (Corea del Sud, 2° premio ex-aequo), il soprano Mar Morán (Spagna, 3° premio ex-aequo), il tenore Hyun-Seo Park (Corea del Sud, 3° premio ex-aequo).
DI UFFICIO STAMPA
(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
The fourth prize, a cash prize of 8,000 €, went to U.S. Bass-baritone Christian Pursell.
FRANCISCO SALAZAR
There was a seductively sung Escamillo from Christian Pursell. The fan-girl energy around Escamillo in Lillas Pastia’s tavern was amusing, and it didn’t hurt that Pursell looked like a rock star in his flowing wig.
MARK THOMAS KETTERSON
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
Christian Pursell (another COC début) impressed in his brief appearances as unkempt and anxious escapee, Angelotti.
DR. JANE FORNER
As the rebel/prison escapee Angelotti, a fourth debut for the COC mainstage, we had Christian Pursell. Excellently sung, brilliantly acted. His music with Cavaradossi was sung deliciously, their two voices brought out even better qualities in each other.
GREG FINNEY
The minor roles were all well taken, particularly the Spoletta of Canadian tenor Michael Colvin, and the Angelotti of American bass-baritone Christian Pursell.
JOSEPH SO
American bass-baritone Christian Pursell makes his COC debut as Angelotti, an escaped political prisoner
DENISE LAI
There was solid singing from the supporting cast: American bass-baritone Christian Pursell in his COC debut as Angelotti
DENISE LAI
