US tenor to conduct La Fenice

US tenor to conduct La Fenice

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norman lebrecht

August 24, 2017

The outstanding and extremely busy tenor Gregory Kunde, 63, is taking time out next season to conduct Rossini’s Barber of Seville in Venice.

He has previously conducted Donizetti at Bergamo.

 

 

Comments

  • DESR says:

    So he is transitioning to conductor. What physical changes will we notice?

    Will he also self-certify as a baritone soon?

  • Mattia Battistini says:

    Without disrespect, but better than him singing Manrico or Otello…
    I recall Mirella Freni saying in a beautiful interview that she retired a few years ahead of her time as it’s better to leave before anything bad happens, should you consider old Mirella’s advice Greg?

    • Bruce says:

      I, for one, hope he does, and wish more people would.

      Nobody really remembers Pavarotti’s days of greatness in the 70’s and 80’s (even when the 3 Tenors hit, he was past his prime although still very good). The only remember his last years, when he was a travesty of his former self.

      Domingo is tarnishing his legacy in a similar way. Does anyone remember his long string of incredible performances and recordings now? — I mean, without being reminded?

      I know I’m dating myself with this reference, but I remember when Domingo was considered “the next great opera conductor.” He conducted a bit now & then when he was younger, and everyone thought he had great potential; and when he retired in his mid-50s, he would still have 20-25 years of conducting ahead of him. Guess that was a legacy he didn’t want.

    • Mack Dixon says:

      Why should he even consider retiring when he is singing as well as he is?

      • Mattia Battistini says:

        Mack, do you seriously think that? Last time I heard him live (this year) he was destroying Manrico and cracking the Pira high C (which, by the way, isn’t even in Verdi’s score, so why would he bother if he can’t?). I have a lot of admiration for him coming back from his illness and wish him all the best for the future, but to be taken seriously you must act credibly.

      • Bruce says:

        I think all musicians should consider Mirella’s advice, before it’s time to “consider” it (i.e. too late to make a graceful exit).

  • fred says:

    a fine light lyric tenor but a total miscast in the spinto repertoire…

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