Opera News: Noteworthy & Now – March 2020

René Barbera sings Elvino in a new Sonnambula production in Liège by Jaco Van Dormael (Mar. 13–21). Speranza Scappucci leads the cast, which also includes Nino Machaidze (Amina) and Marko Mimica (Rodolfo). In April, Barbera heads to Palermo for Rossini’s Stabat Mater alongside Maria Agresta, then to Florence for Don Martino in a new staging of Cherubini’s Lo Sposo … Continue reading Opera News: Noteworthy & Now – March 2020 →

House Debut at Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège in ‘La Sonnambula’ (Canceled due to COVID-19)

René Barbera makes his highly anticipated house debut at Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège as Elvino in a new production of Bellini’s La Sonnambula. Director Jaco Van Dormael brings his renowned poetic imagery to create the pastoral idyll and touching innocence of the heroine, Amina, to this profoundly endearing work. Speranza Scappucci conducts the Orchestra and Chorus … Continue reading House Debut at Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège in ‘La Sonnambula’ (Canceled due to COVID-19) →

Debut at the New National Theatre in Tokyo

René Barbera makes his highly anticipated debut at the New National Theatre in Tokyo this month, singing Count Almaviva in Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia. Fresh off the heels of his performances as Count Almaviva at Genoa’s Teatro Carlo Felice in January, Mr. Barbera garnered acclaim for his “bright and ringing timbre, and extensive, confident and … Continue reading Debut at the New National Theatre in Tokyo →

Ongaku no Tomo Interview

Shinobu Naka’s interview with René Barbera about his life and career is featured in the final Ongaku no Tomo issue of 2019. Mr. Barbera makes his highly anticipated debut in Japan next month singing his signature role of Count Almaviva in Il barbiere di Siviglia at Tokyo’s New National Theater. To purchase the magazine, click … Continue reading Ongaku no Tomo Interview →

‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia’ at Teatro Carlo Felice

René Barbera starts the new year at Genoa’s Teatro Carlo Felice singing his signature role of Count Almaviva from Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia on January 15, 17, & 19. This engagement marks Mr. Barbera’s second run as Count Almaviva this season; he revisits the role next month for his debut in Japan with Tokyo’s New National Theater, … Continue reading ‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia’ at Teatro Carlo Felice →

Best of 2019 Highlights

The Verdi Requiem at The Shed with MusicAeterna was featured in The New York Times’ “Best Classical Music of 2019”. The article highlights the critic’s list of the best performances, premieres, and new digital releases of the year in the world of classical music and opera. The New York Times added the recent concerts of Verdi’s Requiem at The … Continue reading Best of 2019 Highlights →

‘Stabat Mater’ with the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg

On December 12 at the Philharmonie Luxembourg and on December 13 at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris, René Barbera stars alongside soprano Maria Agresta, mezzo-soprano Daniela Barcellona, and bass Vitalij Kowaljow in Rossini’s elegant Stabat Mater. Gustavo Gimeno conducts the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg and the Wiener Singverein. Composed late in his career after retiring from the composition of … Continue reading ‘Stabat Mater’ with the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg →

Artist Favorites: René Barbera, Tenor

Tenor René Barbera. Photo credits: Anna Barbera AS CLASSICAL MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS, IT’S NO SECRET THAT WE LOVE TO LOVE OUR FAVORITE ARTISTS IN THE CLASSICAL MUSIC REALM. BUT LATELY, WE’VE BEEN THROWING AN IMPORTANT QUESTION AROUND—WHAT DO OUR FAVORITE ARTISTS LOVE TO LOVE?  Classical music lovers meet Classical Post’s newest feature section, Artist Favorites. Here, … Continue reading Artist Favorites: René Barbera, Tenor →

Verdi’s ‘Messa da Requiem’ with musicAeterna at The Shed

This month, René Barbera will be the tenor soloist in a new interpretation of Verdi’s iconic Requiem with conductor Teodor Currentzis and his ensemble musicAeterna. The production of the work features a specially commissioned cinematic artwork by avant-garde filmmaker Jonas Mekas. Performances take place on November 19, 21, 23 & 24, at the Shed’s McCourt. Mr. … Continue reading Verdi’s ‘Messa da Requiem’ with musicAeterna at The Shed →

Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester

René Barbera will sing the tenor role in Verdi’s iconic Requiem with the NDR Elbplharmonie Orchester and Rundfunkchor Berlin led by Alan Gilbert on October 31 & November 1. The performance on Friday, November 1 will be live-streamed beginning at 20:00 (CET) via the Elbphilharmonie. For more information, click here. Mr. Barbera will share the … Continue reading Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester →

Festliche Operngala Berlin for Deutsche AIDS-Stiftung

On November 2, René Barbera will take part in the 26th Grand Opera Gala in aid of Deutsche AIDS-Stiftung at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. The event has become one of the most important charity functions to be hosted in the capital of Germany, and it is now an established fixture on Berlin’s cultural and social … Continue reading Festliche Operngala Berlin for Deutsche AIDS-Stiftung →

‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia’ at the Wiener Staatsoper

On October 19 & 24, René Barbera returns to the Wiener Staatsoper for his signature role of Conte Almaviva in Günther Rennert’s historic production of Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Last season, Barbera made his acclaimed house debut as Ernesto (Don Pasquale), and later returned to Vienna as Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore). Günther Rennert’s classic production, … Continue reading ‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia’ at the Wiener Staatsoper →

“IL MIO NEMORINO ALLA SCALA”: INTERVISTA A RENÉ BARBERA

Stefano de Ceglia – Ieri, Oggi, Domani, Opera! Abbiamo avuto il piacere di intervistare Rene Barbera, in occasione delle recite dell’Elisir d’amore di Donizetti alla Scala. Rene Barbera, che ha debuttato nel teatro meneghino l’anno scorso con Don Pasquale, è una delle voci tenorili più interessanti del momento, con una carriera ancora giovane ma già … Continue reading “IL MIO NEMORINO ALLA SCALA”: INTERVISTA A RENÉ BARBERA →

A return to Teatro alla Scala in ‘L’elisir d’amore’

René Barbera launches his 2019/20 season with his greatly anticipated return to the Teatro alla Scala as Nemorino in Grischa Asagaroff’s production of L’elisir d’amore. Mr. Barbera made his critically acclaimed debut at La Scala in 2018 as Ernesto in Donizetti’s Don Pasquale. He returns to perform in another Donizetti masterpiece, with delicate and imaginative … Continue reading A return to Teatro alla Scala in ‘L’elisir d’amore’ →

La Vanguardia: ¡Libiamo! Peralada

La osadía del compositor. “Verdi tuvo la valentía de usar un argumento muy atrevido en su época. Ponía en evidencia la hipocresía de la sociedad burguesa, y ese argumento aún hoy sigue siendo válido, pues la gente puede reconocer una sociedad actual sucia e hipócrita”, señala Riccardo Frizza (Brescia, 1971). Instalado ya en Peralada, el maestro … Continue reading La Vanguardia: ¡Libiamo! Peralada →

Brand new ‘La Traviata’ at Festival Castell Peralada

For his final engagement of the season, René Barbera stars as Alfredo in a new production of Verdi’s La Traviata at the Festival Castell Peralda in Spain. Of the production, the director and stage designer, Paco Azorín, says that it presents the protagonist Violetta “as a free woman; a free spirit way beyond a superficial … Continue reading Brand new ‘La Traviata’ at Festival Castell Peralada →

Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’ at VeszprémFest

On July 11, René Barbera stars as the Duke of Mantua in a concert version of Verdi’s Rigoletto at VeszprémFest in Hungary. A signature role for Mr. Barbera, his portrayal as the Duke at the Opéra de Montréal earlier this season received critical praised from Broadway World: “The Duke of Mantua, played by René Barbera, … Continue reading Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’ at VeszprémFest →

Role debut as Idamore in Donizetti’s ‘Il Paria’ with Opera Rara

René Barbera makes his role debut as Idamore in Donizetti’s Il Paria, one of the composer’s most innovative and daring works, conducted by Sir Mark Elder with the Britten Sinfonia in collaboration with Opera Rara. Opera Rara is known internationally for bringing rare and neglected operas vividly back to life; this occasion marks Mr. Barbera’s … Continue reading Role debut as Idamore in Donizetti’s ‘Il Paria’ with Opera Rara →

A return to the Wiener Staatsoper for ‘L’elisir d’amore’

This month, René Barbera takes on his signature role of Nemorino from Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore at the Wiener Staatsoper. Mr. Barbera began the 2018/19 season with his debut at the house singing another favorite role by Donizetti: Ernesto from Don Pasquale. He returns to sing Nemorino on June 25, featuring production design by Otto Schenk … Continue reading A return to the Wiener Staatsoper for ‘L’elisir d’amore’ →

‘Classics on the Palace Square’ Gala Concert in Saint Petersburg

René Barbera travels to Saint Petersburg for a gala concert entitled Classics on Palace Square on May 26, held in honor of St. Petersburg’s anniversary. Mikhail Tatarnikov leads the Mikhailovsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra for this magical evening that will include opera classics as well as works by jazz masters and contemporary composers, with music by Verdi, Donizetti, Ruggero Leoncavallo, Dvořák, … Continue reading ‘Classics on the Palace Square’ Gala Concert in Saint Petersburg →

Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ with Edward Gardner and the Minnesota Orchestra

On May 16, 17 & 18, René Barbera sings Verdi’s Requiem with the Minnesota Orchestra, under the baton of Edward Gardner. Barbera will share the stage with a sparkling roster of artists including soprano Ailyn Pérez, mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong, bass-baritone Eric Owens, plus the Minnesota Chorale. A signature work for Barbera, his passionate performance at … Continue reading Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ with Edward Gardner and the Minnesota Orchestra →

TItle role debut as ‘Idomeneo’ at Teatro Massimo

René Barbera makes his highly anticipated role debut in the title role of Mozart’s Idomeneo at Teatro Massimo in Palermo. With production by Pier Luigi Pizzi, Daniel Cohen conducts the Teatro Massimo Orchestra and Chorus. Of the work, Mr. Cohen says: “This score is a unique marvel of its kind – adds Mozart at the … Continue reading TItle role debut as ‘Idomeneo’ at Teatro Massimo →

‘Idomeneo’ featured on Rai 5 Save the Date Series

Rai 5‘s Save the Date series featured René Barbera for his upcoming debut in the title role of Mozart’s Idomeneo at Teatro Massimo in Palermo. The column explores the world of opera, prose, dance, with an eye to festivals and events of particular importance. Performances of Idomeneo will take place on April 18, 23, 26 … Continue reading ‘Idomeneo’ featured on Rai 5 Save the Date Series →

NEWS: René Barbera Returns to Semperoper Dresden in “La traviata”

René Barbera returns to Semperoper Dresden to sing Alfredo Germont in “La traviata” December 31, 2018 at 4pm and January 2, 2019 at 7pm. Barbera made his debut at Semperoper Dresden in late 2017 as the Duke of Mantua in Rigoletto with less than 24 hours’ notice. Of his performance of Alfredo in Dallas, Texas, … Continue reading NEWS: René Barbera Returns to Semperoper Dresden in “La traviata” →

NEWS: BachTrack covers Rene Barbera’s “bel canto season in Europe

“The Texan tenor has performed from the West Coast to The Met, drawing praise for “his easy delivery and fine legato” and his “perfect timbre” for Rossini’s Count Almaviva. Barbera has made a number of significant debuts at European houses in recent years and, with some more debuts scheduled in Europe this season, he has … Continue reading NEWS: BachTrack covers Rene Barbera’s “bel canto season in Europe →

NEWS: University of North Carolina features Rene Barbera in new interview

“Nearly a decade ago, just before completing his studies in the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute at UNCSA, tenor René Barbera emerged as one of five winners in the Grand Finals Concert of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and he secured an apprenticeship in the prestigious Merola Opera Program of San Francisco Opera. In 2011, … Continue reading NEWS: University of North Carolina features Rene Barbera in new interview →

NEWS: René Barbera Makes WQXR’s 40 Under 40 List

WQXR’s Fred Plotkin has selected tenor René Barbera as one of 40 outstanding singers under 40. He writes: “René Barbera, a bel canto tenor from Texas, has a season of appearances in many European opera capitals after appearing in Montréal as the Duke in Rigoletto. He then sings in Vienna, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Rome and Milan, where … Continue reading NEWS: René Barbera Makes WQXR’s 40 Under 40 List →

NEWS: René Barbera Makes His Opera de Montreal Debut as the Duca di Mantua in Rigoletto

René Barbera will make his debut at Opera de Montreal as the Duca di Mantua in Verdi’s dramatic Rigoletto September 15-22. The Denver Post exclaimed of his 2014 performances, “They went wild for tenor Rene Barbera, who sang Verdi’s selfish Duke of Mantua. He gets the opera’s most familiar tune, “La donna e mobile,” and … Continue reading NEWS: René Barbera Makes His Opera de Montreal Debut as the Duca di Mantua in Rigoletto →

PRESS RELEASE: Tenor René Barbera’s 2018-2019 performances include debuts at Wiener Staatsoper, Dutch National Opera, Theatre des Champs-Elysees, and with the Minnesota Orchestra

the tenor also embarks on a Verdi Requiem tour with MusicAeterna and returns to Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro alla Scala, and Opera Roma American tenor René Barbera will continue his dazzling streak of house and role debuts in the 2018-2019 season. The rising star, whose voice has been described by Die Welt as a “bright, open-topped … Continue reading PRESS RELEASE: Tenor René Barbera’s 2018-2019 performances include debuts at Wiener Staatsoper, Dutch National Opera, Theatre des Champs-Elysees, and with the Minnesota Orchestra →

NEWS: Tenor René Barbera to make his Oper Stuttgart debut in I Puritani July 12-24

Tenor René Barbera will make his Oper Stuttgart house debut as Arturo in I Puritani July 12-24. He first debuted this role at the Opéra National de Paris in 2013, prompting Forum Opera to marvel that “…this young singer has a real voice of tenore di grazia. His luminous timbre and the sumptuous half-tones that … Continue reading NEWS: Tenor René Barbera to make his Oper Stuttgart debut in I Puritani July 12-24 →

NEWS: Tenor René Barbera to perform the Verdi Requiem on tour with Riccardo Chailly and the Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala

Tenor René Barbera will embark on a four-city European tour May 22-June 7, 2018 with Maestro Riccardo Chailly and the Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala. Performing the Verdi Requiem with soprano Tamara Wilson, mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Gubanova, and bass Ferruccio Furlanetto, the ensemble will perform in Pavia, Italy; Hamburg, Germany; and Paris, France. Of … Continue reading NEWS: Tenor René Barbera to perform the Verdi Requiem on tour with Riccardo Chailly and the Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala →

NEWS: René featured in Opera Sense interview ahead of debut at Teatro alla Scala

As René prepares for his debut at Teatro alla Scala as Ernesto in Don Pasquale (April 3-May 4), Opera Sense interviewed him for a featured article this past week. Here is a short excerpt from the interview, and you can read the full article by click the link below. Opera Sense interview with René Barbera … Continue reading NEWS: René featured in Opera Sense interview ahead of debut at Teatro alla Scala →

NEWS: René Barbera Makes His Teatro alla Scala Milan Debut, April 3-May 4, 2018

Tenor René Barbera will make his Teatro alla Scala Milan debut April 3-May 4 as Ernesto in Davide Livermore’s new production of Donizetti’s opera buffa, Don Pasquale. Conducted by acclaimed Maestro Riccardo Chailly, René will star alongside some of the best of the new generation of Bel canto: Ambrogio Maestri as Don Pasquale; soprano Rosa … Continue reading NEWS: René Barbera Makes His Teatro alla Scala Milan Debut, April 3-May 4, 2018 →

NEWS: Tenor René Barbera to make his Dutch National Opera debut in ‘Il barbiere di Siviglia’

Continuing a dazzling run of European debuts, it has been announced that tenor René Barbera, whose voice has been described as “honeyed perfection” (Opera Today), will make his Dutch National Opera debut in one of his signature roles, Count Almaviva in Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia. Of his Almaviva in Paris in January 2018, Opera … Continue reading NEWS: Tenor René Barbera to make his Dutch National Opera debut in ‘Il barbiere di Siviglia’ →

NEWS: René Barbera Makes His Bayerische Staatsoper Munich Debut In ‘La Cenerentola’

Fresh off a triumphant performance of Count Almaviva in Il barbiere di Siviglia at the Opera National de Paris which prompted Olyrix to proclaim “[he] keeps the beauty of the song even in the recitatives and its power even in the vocalizations,” René Barbera prepares to make his house debut at the Bayerische Staatsoper Munich … Continue reading NEWS: René Barbera Makes His Bayerische Staatsoper Munich Debut In ‘La Cenerentola’ →

NEWS: René featured in two feature interviews in advance of his return to the Paris Opera

As René prepares for his return to the Opera National de Paris as Count Almaviva in Il barbiere di Siviglia (January 24-February 16), Revopéra and Ôlyrix both interviewed him for feature articles this week. Here are short excerpts from each interview, and you can read the full articles by clicking through the links below. Revopéra interview … Continue reading NEWS: René featured in two feature interviews in advance of his return to the Paris Opera →

Opernhaus Zürich – La Fille du Régiment

The whirlwind nature of the past few weeks has been unbelievably exciting and I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of jumping-in at the last minute for ailing colleagues. My time in Zurich was brief but I found myself absolutely enchanted with the city and its people and, thankfully, the audiences appeared to be pleased with … Continue reading Opernhaus Zürich – La Fille du Régiment →

PRESS RELEASE: Tenor René Barbera Makes Nine House Debuts This Season, Marking a Series of Firsts For This Brilliant Artist

Including debuts in Zürich, Munich, Berlin, Milan, Valencia, Dresden, and Stuttgart American tenor René Barbera, praised for his singing “suffused with…old-fashioned warmth” by Opera News, will make nine house debuts this season, cementing his status as an operatic star on the rise. “This season is full of exciting house debuts and repertoire I love,” says … Continue reading PRESS RELEASE: Tenor René Barbera Makes Nine House Debuts This Season, Marking a Series of Firsts For This Brilliant Artist →

Surviving the Madness!

It has been some time since I’ve posted and I wanted to take the time to celebrate the survival of one of the craziest weeks of my professional career!   Here’s what happened:   April 19:         8:30pm – Opening of La Cenerentola         11:30pm – Opening performance ended         12:00pm – Arrived at home … Continue reading Surviving the Madness! →

San Francisco Opera – Il Barbiere di Siviglia

This post is a little late but things have been quite busy since leaving San Francisco and I’m finally getting a chance to sit down and write a little something about my time there. This particular Barber of Seville, for a number of reasons, ended up being my favorite by far.  I had an incredible … Continue reading San Francisco Opera – Il Barbiere di Siviglia →

Home Sweet Home

What can I say? I love home.  It comes in many forms.  For me, and certainly for many who spend their lives on the road, home is all about familiarity.  The people, the location, the company…  This is what makes home for me. I had the distinct joy of singing in one of my homes, … Continue reading Home Sweet Home →

I left my heart in Annecy, France

  Anna and I had the most wonderful time in Annecy, France!  Our first two days in town were prior to rehearsals for the concert beginning so we took advantage and rented a boat to spend some quality time on the lake. We also attempted to take a bike path around the lake… which quickly … Continue reading I left my heart in Annecy, France →

Happy Trails La Gazza Ladra… Hello Stabat Mater & France!

Last night was our 4th and final performance and all I can say is…. Four performances is hardly enough.  I had such a wonderful time putting this piece together.  I was so lucky to have such wonderful colleagues and friends around me for both my role and house debuts at the Rossini Opera Festival this … Continue reading Happy Trails La Gazza Ladra… Hello Stabat Mater & France! →

Opening Night of Barbiere!!

We had a spectacular opening night here at Opera National de Paris.  The public was absolutely wonderful and the show moved along just beautifully!  Thank you Paris for such a wonderful reception… I am truly honored to be a part of this incredible show. If you have the chance to come see this show I … Continue reading Opening Night of Barbiere!! →

Rotating Stages

Rehearsing here in Paris has been an absolute joy! The staging is turning out beautifully and the set is incredible! This particular set rotates quite a bit during some scenes and, it turns out, I was getting a little sea-sick. I arrived home one night during the first week of rehearsal and, as I ate … Continue reading Rotating Stages →

Oh Paris how I adore thee!

Anna, my fiancee, and I have arrived in Paris just a couple of days before rehearsals begin. We are absolutely in love with this city and are so happy that my parents get to spend a week here with us exploring the city. I can’t wait to get the rehearsals started and see what this … Continue reading Oh Paris how I adore thee! →

Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron – Vacation!

Today begins a one week vacation in my idea of paradise at the Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron! This place is stunningly beautiful and so serene and peaceful. The weather is BEAUTIFUL and I look forward to many wine tastings in the region… including my all-time favorite Sauternes!

Season Announcement!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to announce my 2014 – 2015 season with many exciting projects. To kick off the season, I will be returning to the Opera National de Paris as il Conte d’Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Immediately following is my San Francisco Opera debut as Don Ramiro in La Cenerentola. Afterward, I … Continue reading Season Announcement! →