Neil Funkhouser Artists Management

Giuseppe Filianoti at Lyric Opera of Chicago

2011-09-17T10:58:00.007-04:00

Giuseppe Filianoti begins his 2011-2012 at Lyric Opera of Chicago where he will repeat his renowned interpretation of Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor. Edgardo was the role of his acclaimed debut at the Metropolitan Opera, where he has sung the role opposite Elizabeth Futral, Anna Netrebko and Natalie Dessay.

New Publicity Photos:

Photos by Helge Kirchberger:

Giuseppe Filianoti

Giuseppe Filianoti

Giuseppe Filianoti

Giuseppe Filianoti

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Photos by Johannes Ifkovits:

Giuseppe Filianoti

Giuseppe Filianoti

Giuseppe Filianoti

Giuseppe Filianoti

Giuseppe Filianoti

Giuseppe Filianoti

Elizabeth Futral Stars in Juan

2011-04-08T12:03:00.001-04:00

The film Juan, based on the Mozart opera Don Giovanni and starring soprano Elizabeth Futral as Elvira, made it’s international debut this week in Copenhagen. It will appear in theaters in the United States in upcoming weeks.

Filmed in Budapest in 2009, the movie is director Kasper Holten’s modernization of Mozart’s work. In an interview with Opera Now, Mr. Holten (music director of Royal Danish Opera) stated that he feels that opera and film are two mediums that can work well together, saying ‘Both art-forms use all means possible to manipulate emotions - and of course in films, the soundtrack often plays a vital role. I think many of the great composers would have worked in film if they had lived today.’

The interinational cast also features Christopher Maltman in the title role, Maria Bengtsson as Anna, Mikhail Petrenko as Leporello, Katija Dragojevic as Zerlina, and others.

The official website for the film can be seen here.

Bryan Hymel stars in Carmen in 3D

2011-01-07T14:51:00.003-05:00

Bryan Hymel will star in as Don Jose in Francesca Zambello's production of Bizet's Carmen from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. This is the first time an opera has been filmed in 3D.

Mr. Hymel first sang Don Jose at the Canadian Opera Company and was most recently heard in this role at Teatro alla Scala under Gustavo Dudamel.

The world premiere screening will take place on February 6 as the closing selection of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Santa Barbara International Film Festival and is scheduled to open in movie theaters around the world on March 5.

Carmen in 3D is a co-production with the Royal Opera House and RealD and was shot over two performances in 2010. The production features Christine Rice as Carmen, Aris Argiris as Escamillo and Maija Kovalevska as Micaëla, with conducting by Constantinos Carydis.

Read more about it in the Los Angeles Times and at the official website: http://www.carmen3d.com/default.aspx

Bryan Hymel sings first Rodolfo with Atlanta Opera

2010-10-01T13:40:00.004-04:00

Tenor Bryan Hymel undertakes the role of Rodolfo in La bohème for the first time with Atlanta Opera on Saturday, October 2 with additional performances on October 5, 8, and 10, 2010.

This season, he also adds the title role in Gounod's Faust to his repertoire with Opera Birmingham and Santa Fe Opera, and Ismaele in Nabucco with the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich.
Photo above by Dario Acosta.

UPDATE: First photo of Bryan Hymel from the Dress Rehearsal:

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Atlanta Opera. Photo by Tim Wilkerson

Giuseppe Filianoti sings Hoffmann at the Metropolitan Opera

2010-09-28T13:38:00.008-04:00

Giuseppe Filianoti brings his acclaimed interpretation of the title role in Offenbach's Les contes d'Hoffmann to the Metropolitan Opera.

The opening performance takes place on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 8:00 with additional performances on October 2, 6, 9, 12, 16, and 18.

Sirius Radio will broadcast the opening night as well as the performances of October 6, 12, and 19.

Mr. Filianoti has previously sung this role with the Hamburg State Opera (where he will return in January and February, 2011 for a new production of Faust), and at the Paris Opera.

Ildar Abdrazakov, Kate Lindsey, Giuseppe Filianoti

Photos courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera, Photographer: Marty Sohl

Giuseppe Filianoti Shines in Paris

2010-06-08T12:17:00.012-04:00

Tenor Giuseppe Filianoti is coming off a triumphant run with the Opéra National de Paris, where he starred in the title role of Jacques Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann. Singing ten performances in a production by Robert Carsen, Filianoti received rave reviews for his work. Manon Ardoin of Culture Mag said that Filianoti 'assumes the role of Hoffmann with brilliance", while Helene Kuttner of French Premiere Magazine describes him as 'simply fantastic, with a vibrant voice, energy, and a fiery temperament.' Clips of his performances can be found here and here.

Following his success in the French capital, Filianoti this fall will move on to the Metropolitan Opera in New York for six performances in a repeat run as Hoffmann, stating on September 28th and ending on October 19.

Elizabeth Futral To the Rescue

2010-04-29T13:14:00.000-04:00

Soprano Elizabeth Futral will sing in the upcoming production of 'Hamlet' with the Washington National Opera, performing in the role of Ophelia. She is a last-minute replacement for German soprano Diana Damrau, who had to withdraw due to her pregnancy. 'Hamlet' will be conducted in-part by Placido Domingo, with whom Futral has had a long-time working relationship

Ms. Futral is most recently coming off a run of 'La traviata' with the San Diego Opera, where she sang in the role of Violetta to critical acclaim. And immediately following her time in Washington, Futral will travel to Long Beach, CA, to sing in a production of Ricky Ian Gordon's 'Orpheus and Euridice,' featuring Grammy nominated clarinetist Todd Plamer and conducted by her husband Steven White, who is himself coming off a successful run of conducting 'La traviata' at the Metropolitan Opera.

The Nelsens take New York City Opera

2010-03-26T11:42:00.000-04:00

Last weekend was quite the exciting weekend for mezzo soprano Nina Yoshida Nelsen and her husband Jeff Nelsen. Nina made her New York City Opera debut Friday night singing Suzuki in Madama Butterfly to rave reviews.

Jeff was very proud of Nina on Friday night, and was excited to return to see the show again on Sunday. At 1:25pm, five minutes before Sunday's curtain, Jeff had just taken his seat in the audience, and texted Nina info on where he was sitting. Jeff happens to be the hornist for the world famous ensemble Canadian Brass. After being recognized by one of the orchestra's hornists, he was approached by orchestra management. The NYCO horn section was one horn player short for the 1:30 performance! They asked if Jeff would step in and play the show. By 1:27 he was backstage where he ran into Nina. Understandably alarmed, she asked him if everything was ok. He fearlessly smiled, and said, "Oh yeah! I'm just going sit in! Have a good show!" A half-laughing half-shocked Nina yelled back, "Ummmm, okay...you too!!"

Jeff headed downstairs where the orchestra manager tied a tie around Jeff's neck, handed him an extra horn, threw him in the pit, and closed the door. Within a minute, Jeff was tuning with the orchestra. Jeff and Nina performed Sunday afternoon's entire Madame Butterfly performance together.

It was a weekend of a lifetime for this musical couple. Nina made her NYCO debut on Friday, and Jeff made his on Sunday...a story they can tell their grandchildren one day!

Important Firsts for Bryan Hymel

2010-02-05T15:51:00.004-05:00

Bryan Hymel is currently singing his first performances of Don José in Bizet's Carmen with Canadian Opera Company, a role which figures to play an important part of 2010. In June, he will sing this part in his debut at the Royal Opera, Covent Garden (June 5, 8, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 26) including in a High Definition Telecast. Shortly thereafter, he will sing this role with Sir Simon Rattle and Magdalena Kožená and the Simon Bolivar Orchestra in Caracas, Venezuela in July, 2010. Between productions of Carmen, he will make his Netherlands Opera debut, undertaking the role of Énee in the Pierre Audi production of Berlioz' Les Troyens (April 4, 8, 12, 16, 21, 25, 28, May 2) under the direction of John Nelson.

Taylor Stayton - Professional Operatic Debut in Italy

2010-01-21T20:13:00.008-05:00

Tenor Taylor Stayton makes his Professional Operatic Debut on Saturday, January 23, 2010 as Fenton in a new Franco Zeffirelli production of Verdi's Falstaff with the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma in an astonishing cast led by Renato Bruson as Falstaff, Carlos Alvarez as Ford, and conducted by Asher Fisch. During the 7-performance run scheduled for January 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, Mr. Stayton will also sing with such leading singers as Juan Pons, Ruggero Raimondi, Myrtò Papatanasiu, Laura Giordano, and Elisabetta Fiorillo.

Later this season, Mr. Stayton will make his American operatic debut as Osiride in Rossini's Mosé in Egitto with Chicago Opera Theater with performances on April 17, 21, 23, and 25, 2010.

Mr. Stayton can be seen and heard on Youtube.com here:

Mr. Stayton sings "Ah, mes amis!...Pour mon âme"

Mr. Stayton sings Percy's "Vivi tu" from Anna Bolena

We welcome Giuseppe Filianoti

2010-01-10T19:00:00.003-05:00

Neil Funkhouser Artists Management is delighted to announce the exclusive worldwide representation of tenor Giuseppe Filianoti.

Mr. Filianoti is considered by many the leading Italian lyric tenor in the world today. This season, he has brought his acclaimed interpretation of the role of Nemorino in Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore to the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, the Opéra National de Paris, the Los Angeles Opera, the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich and, later this season, to the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He also toured with Daniel Barenboim and the Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala to Berlin and Tel Aviv singing the Verdi Requiem.

Among his future engagements are Les contes d'Hoffmann at the Opéra National de Paris as well as returns to the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Bayerische Staatsoper, and the Hamburgische Staatsoper.

For more information, please contact Neil Funkhouser or visit Filianoti's website at http://www.giuseppefilianoti.it/

Biography, Repertoire and Press Kit

Bryan Hymel Awarded Top Prize in 2009 Gerda Lissner Competition

2009-03-12T13:18:00.005-04:00

Tenor Bryan Hymel has been awarded the Top Prize in the 2009 Gerda Lissner Competition, which carries a cash award of $15,000. Mr. Hymel was also the winner of last year's Zachary Society, Licia Albanese/Puccini Foundation, and Giulio Gari Foundation competitions.

He is currently rehearsing the Prince in Rusalka with Boston Lyric Opera, which opens on March 20th. Following engagements this season include a return to Greek National Opera for I Puritani, and his debut at English National Opera as Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly.

Jason Stearns to Make Lyric Opera of Chicago Debut

2009-01-07T12:02:00.006-05:00

On the heels of his late-notice appearance as Barnaba in La Gioconda at the Metropolitan Opera, Jason Stearns will make his Lyric Opera of Chicago debut later this month, singing the first four performances of Kurwenal in Tristan und Isolde (Jan. 27, 31, Feb. 4, and 8).

Mr. Stearns replaces Finnish bass-baritone Juha Uusitalo, who has withdrawn from all performances of the role. According to a company spokesperson, the singer is recovering from a necessary surgery to remove a cyst in his head.

Tristan und Isolde also stars Deborah Voigt and Clifton Forbis in the title roles and is conducted by Lyric Opera Music Director Sir Andrew Davis. For more information on Jason Stearns, please visit http://www.funkhouserartists.com/Jason_Stearns/.

Elizabeth Futral Featured in City Opera Symposium

2008-12-09T12:26:00.005-05:00

New York City Opera's celebration of Samuel Barber’s upcoming centennial will include a Symposium on Antony and Cleopatra on Saturday, January 10, co-presented by and taking place at Miller Theatre at Columbia University, which will feature City Opera soprano Elizabeth Futral in a unique recital of musical depictions and evocations of Cleopatra.

City Opera’s beloved star soprano offers an offbeat piano-vocal recital of musical depictions and evocations of Cleopatra. The selections, spanning three centuries, include music by Handel, Massenet, the Rolling Stones and Pam Tillis, and the world premiere of a specially-commissioned song by VOX composer Justine Chen. Elizabeth Futral has sung the title roles in Semele, Lakmé, The Ballad of Baby Doe, and Daphne, as well as Gilda in Rigoletto, Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Alexandra in Regina and Bella in The Midsummer Marriage for New York City Opera.

SYMPOSIUM: Saturday, January 10, 2009, 12:00 – 5:00 PM

Miller Theatre at Columbia University, 2960 Broadway at 116^th Street

Tickets: $20 ($15 for Students/Seniors) | 212-854-7799 | www.millertheatre.com

Elizabeth Futral, First Emperor Cast Nominated for a Grammy

2008-12-04T11:56:00.004-05:00

Tan Dun's The First Emperor, which was premiered at the Metropolitan Opera in the 2006-2007 season, has been nominated for a 2009 Grammy in Category 100, "Best Opera Recording".

The opera, which was conducted by Mr. Dun and stars Ms. Futral and Plácido Domingo, also features Michelle DeYoung, Paul Groves, Wu Hsing-Kuo, and Hao Jiang Tian. Jay David Saks produced the recording, which was released on EMI Classics.

The 51st Annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 8, 2009, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Stearns Steps in to Gioconda at the Met

2008-09-29T12:44:00.007-04:00

Baritone Jason Stearns stepped in for ailing Carlo Guelfi at the Metropolitan Opera Saturday night, singing the lead baritone role of Barnaba. Mr. Stearns, who received final word about the cancellation at 7:10 PM, was received warmly by the in-house audience. Martin Bernheimer, of the Financial Times, said:

"Barnaba, the villain with a heart of ice, should have been Carlo Guelfi, but illness forced the last-minute substitution of Jason Stearns. Jason Stearns? He had once served in the Met chorus and undertaken tiny solos. In spite of a few pardonably rough patches, one had to admire his firm, wide-ranging baritone, not to mention his steadfast bravado."

Upcoming engagements for Mr. Stearns include Tonio in Pagliacci in matinee performances at Lyric Opera of Chicago, Monterone in Rigoletto at the Met, and the title role in Rigoletto at Baltimore Opera.

Getting Warmer . . .: Soprano Saves the Day

2008-09-24T10:24:00.005-04:00

"When it comes from soprano Barbara Quintiliani, one great aria can do wonders for a concert, as was the case during Opera International's Sunday evening Operatic Vocal Gala Concert at the Music Center at Strathmore.

"The bel canto program's pre-intermission hallmarks were wooden delivery and labored singing, particularly from baritone Chen-ye Yuan. Though director-pianist Kelly Kuo focused on "serious music" -- a touch of "Don Pasquale" humor would have been welcome -- the genre's innate drama seemed dormant. While the runs and trills of Bellini and Donizetti can be the height of expressive vocalism, without complete technical stability and conviction, they sound all too similar to exercises.

"Nearly halfway through, however, came a turning point as dramatic as the switch from sustained arias to florid cabalettas: Quintiliani let loose an ideal rendition of "Vivi ingrato" from Donizetti's "Roberto Devereux." Many voices possess some warmth, but Quintiliani's exudes it, from smoldering chest notes to an extraordinary, white-hot high C, the power and beauty of which will not be found elsewhere. "

- Washington Post (Ronni Reich)

Madeline Bender Headlines Sing for Hope

2008-09-22T12:06:00.008-04:00

Renowned operatic soprano Madeline Bender and fellow artists have donated their time and talent to the creation of an evening of music to benefit Sing for Hope. The concert will be held at:

Lancaster Mennonite School Fine Arts Center located at 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA on October 25th 2008 at 7 PM. Suggested donation for the event is $15 per person.

The concert will feature Soprano Madeline Bender whose starring roles include Violetta in La Traviata at Santa Fe Opera, Euridice in Orfée at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, and Helene in A Midsummer Night's Dream at Glyndebourne Opera. Accompanying the concert will be Conductor/Pianist Tim Long, who has led orchestras at The New York City Opera, The Opera Theater of St. Louis, Boston Lyric Opera and Wolf Trap Opera. Performing with the artists will be the Lancaster Mennonite High School Chorale in a program designed for enjoyment by people of all ages.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Larry Guengerich at 717-859-1151.

Opera in the Outfield

2008-09-04T10:26:00.006-04:00

Soprano Elizabeth Futral will open Washington National Opera's season to thousands of opera fans when she takes the stage as Violetta Valery on September 13th. In addition to the sold out Kennedy Center Opera House audience, the performance will broadcast live and displayed at the brand new stadium of D.C.'s Major League Baseball team, the Washington Nationals. The simulcast is free and open to the public, and more information can be found by visiting:

http://dc opera.org/experience/accessinitiatives/simulcasts.asp

Jason Stearns Makes Role and Festival Debut in Savonlinna

2008-07-18T11:11:00.010-04:00

On July 16, baritone Jason Stearns debuted to critical and audience acclaim at the Savonlinna Festival in Finland as Der fliegende Holländer in Wagner's opera of the same name. This engagement represents both a house debut and role debut for Mr. Stearns, who will next be seen at the Metropolitan Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago in the 2008-2009 season. Mr. Stearns will also sing the title role in Rigoletto with Toledo Opera in November 2008 and join Norwegian Opera in the fall of 2009 to sing Jack Rance in La fanciulla del West.

Leah Wool Shines in Opera New Jersey Cenerentola

2008-07-15T15:24:00.012-04:00

Photo credit: Jeff Reeder

"You're tempted to think Rossini's ultra-intricate coloratura writing is the near-exclusive property of Cecilia Bartoli. But Wool has a comparable accuracy rate and a more pleasing technical approach. Like many big-house singers, Bartoli tends to aspirate on individual notes, giving them a machine-gun-like penetration. With her more demure, smoky timbre, Wool phrases more smoothly - better to achieve moments of specific dramatic relevance. Born on Long Island and educated at Yale, she's also an able actress: Her Cinderella was free of self-pity and full of mischief. She's also a captivating presence. Can you ask for anything more?"

Philadelphia Inquirer (David Patrick Stearns)

"To the title role, Leah Wool brings a soft-grained mezzo-soprano and dark-haired physical charm. An affecting Cinderella, Wool convinces as both the scorned stepdaughter and the radiant woman who wins the prince's heart. Looking like a dream in her gorgeous gown, she sings the joyous final rondo fluently…"

Concertonet.com (Robert Baxter)

"The soul of "La Cenerentola," of course, is in its Cinderella, and this production has a heartbreaker in Long Island native Leah Wool. With her doe eyes, wide smile and raven hair, the mezzo resembles the young Cecilia Bartoli (who made her name in this role)…Wool's voice is perfectly formed, though, her phrasing of Cinderella's slower, sad-eyed music beautiful, the top notes of her benevolent final aria and cabaletta sparkling."

Princeton Star-Ledger (Bradley Bambarger)

Neil Funkhouser Artists Management Welcomes Cynthia Lawrence

2008-06-03T20:54:00.002-04:00

Neil Funkhouser Artists Management is pleased to announce accomplished soprano Cynthia Lawrence has signed with the company, where she will be represented worldwide. Ms. Lawrence, who appeared as Lady Macbeth at the Metropolitan Opera this season, was a frequent concert partner of the late tenor Luciano Pavarotti and appeared with him in locales around the world. She was also a member of the Three Sopranos, along with Kallen Esperian and Kathleen Cassello.

For more information on Cynthia Lawrence, please visit www.funkhouserartists.com/CynthiaLawrence

Bryan Hymel Wins Zachary Society Competition

2008-06-02T12:19:00.008-04:00

Less than a week after winning the Giulio Gari Foundation Competition, tenor Bryan Hymel has taken First Prize in the Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition for Young Opera Singers in Los Angeles. This marks the third competition victory for Mr. Hymel this spring, as he also won first place in the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation Competition in April of this year.

For more information on Bryan Hymel, please visit our website.

Bryan Hymel Receives First Prize in Giulio Gari Competition

2008-05-27T10:58:00.010-04:00

Tenor Bryan Hymel, who recently won the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation Competition, has won first prize in the Giulio Gari Foundation Competition.

Mr. Hymel, who will compete in the finals of the Loren L. Zachary National Vocal Competition for Young Opera Singers next weekend in Los Angeles, is set to make a number of European and American debuts next season, in such locales as Bordeaux, Boston, and Athens.

For more information on Bryan Hymel, please visit www.funkhouserartists.com/BryanHymel

Carter Scott triumphs in first US Turandot

2008-05-26T12:20:00.005-04:00

The Dallas Morning News - May 26, 2008

By Scott Cantrell

......Major companies struggle to cast both Turandot and the besotted Calaf. Both roles call for enormous vocal power, and it's usually bought at the price of rawness, if not downright ugliness.

But Carter Scott, a late replacement, is as thrilling a Turandot as you'll hear anywhere. At first, her soprano seems almost too luxuriously creamy. But when emotional and musical pitch rise the voice gathers an amazing intensity that blazes across the orchestra in full cry.

She's also the rare Turandot who actually looks as though she could lure men to their deaths. When her carefully constructed defenses crumple around her, we genuinely feel her pain.

Stephen Costello and Elizabeth Futral in Lucia di Lammermoor

2008-05-26T12:02:00.011-04:00

The Dallas Morning News - May 26, 2008

By Scott Cantrell

FORT WORTH - Forget Netrebko and Villazon, Gheorghiu and Alagna. Opera's new dream couple is Elizabeth Futral and Stephen Costello. And Fort Worth Opera has paired them for the Lucia di Lammermoor that opened Sunday afternoon at Bass Performance Hall. Indeed, all the principal roles, even some slight ones, are splendidly cast.

Ms. Futral lacks a true trill, but otherwise hers is vocalism most singers can only dream of. She can flicker, glow or blaze, high - very high - or low She makes coloratura gracefully musical, not just a lot of notes. And she makes the doomed Scottish woman less a dramatic cliché and more a believable human being.

Mr. Costello is one of today's hottest young things in Italianate lyric tenors. His Edgardo has romantic good looks, virile tone and focused ardor.

....

Steven White got polished playing from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra...

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Star-Telegram - May 27, 2008

By Chris Shull

FORT WORTH -- It's not every day that opera lovers experience a tour de force -- that convergence of evocative drama, supple orchestra playing and, above all, beautiful singing.

But Sunday was one of those days.

Fort Worth Opera's Lucia di Lammermoor at Bass Hall was a riveting showcase for soprano Elizabeth Futral in the title role, and the rest of the cast and chorus matched her elevated artistry. The performance polished Donizetti's moody tragedy to a delicious sheen.

Futral is acclaimed for previous portrayals of Lucia, and in exciting vocal flights, airy trills, and fleet, flawless runs, Futral conveyed her character's innocence and then her deteriorating state of mind. Her effortless delivery and natural vibrato put a halo around her sound the way floral notes blossom after a taste of fine wine.

The signature scene in Lucia is Lucia's Mad Scene, and Futral executed it with exquisite phrasing and harrowing psychological flourishes....

Tenor Stephen Costello brought dashing ardor to Edgardo. In his great aria at the finale, his voice soared effortlessly and with moving conviction....

Conducted by Steven White, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra played elegantly.

Neil Funkhouser Artists Management Signs Bass-Baritone Daniel Mobbs

2008-05-23T11:25:00.006-04:00

Bass-Baritone Daniel Mobbs has signed with Neil Funkhouser Artists Management, effective immediately, where the company will represent him worldwide. Mr. Mobbs, accomplished in a wide variety of comedic and dramatic roles, has performed to great acclaim with the Metropolitan Opera, Opera Orchestra of New York, New York City Opera, Caramoor International Music Festival, and Baltimore Opera, to name only a few.

To view more information on Daniel Mobbs, please visit www.funkhouserartists.com/DanielMobbs or his website at www.danielmobbs.com

Carter Scott Rescues Turandot in Fort Worth

2008-05-19T14:41:00.010-04:00

Carter Scott with Fort Worth Opera General Director Darren K. Woods

Soprano Carter Scott is stepping into the title role in Puccini's Turandot as a last-minute replacement with the Fort Worth Opera. Ms. Scott, who has sung the role over 40 times in Europe and has covered it with Santa Fe Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago, had previously sung the title role of Puccini's Tosca with Fort Worth Opera. Her first performance will be May 24, with additional performances on June 1 matinee and June 6.

The cast includes Dongwon Shin as Calaf, Sandra Lopez as Liù, and Christian Van Horne as Timur, and the production is being directed by Daniel Pelzig and conducted by Joseph Illick.

Ms. Scott was most recently seen as Santuzza in Cavelleria Rusticana at San Diego Opera, and will travel on to San Antonio Opera immediately following her appearances in Fort Worth for the title role in Tosca.

For more information on Ms. Scott, please visit http://www.funkhouserartists.com/CarterScott.

Opera Now spotlights Stephen Costello and Ailyn Pérez (Click to open full size)

2008-05-13T13:48:00.015-04:00

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Markus Beam

2008-05-12T17:15:00.006-04:00

Baritone Markus Beam, currently singing in a new production of La bohème at the Komische Oper Berlin, will have the opportunity to reprise the role with Oper Leipzig next month. In addition to these exciting appearances, Mr. Beam will appear as the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance with Lyric Opera of Kansas City next season.

Jeffrey Wells joins Neil Funkhouser Artists Management

2008-05-07T15:10:00.006-04:00

Accomplished bass-baritone Jeffrey Wells has joined Neil Funkhouser Artists Management and will be represented by the company worldwide, effective immediately. Mr. Wells has sung close to 400 performances at the Metropolitan Opera, including Ferrando in Il trovatore, Colline in La bohème, Raimondo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Escamillo in Carmen, and Capulet in Roméo et Juliette. Mr. Wells has appeared with all of the major companies in the United States, and is a particular favorite at Washington National Opera and San Francisco Opera. Additionally, Mr. Wells has sung Nick Shadow in The Rake's Progress at the Glyndebourne Festival and the role of Claggart in Billy Budd with the opera companies of Seattle, Los Angeles, Houston, Canada (Canadian Opera Company), and Israel (New Israeli Opera).

Neil Funkhouser Artists Management Welcomes bass Brian Kontes

2008-05-07T14:58:00.005-04:00

We are pleased to welcome bass Brian Kontes to Neil Funkhouser Artists Management, where he will be represented by the company worldwide. Mr. Kontes, the recipient of a 2007 George London Award, made his debut with Seattle Opera as Leporello in the 2006-2007 season. He is also a favorite with the Opera Orchestra of New York, where he most recently sang Alessio in La sonnambula. Next season, Mr. Kontes will join the roster of the Metropolitan Opera for Madama Butterfly and La Gioconda.

Bryan Hymel Wins Licia Albanese Competition

2008-04-29T10:55:00.009-04:00

Bryan Hymel with Licia Albanese

Tenor Bryan Hymel has won the sole first place prize in the 2008 Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation International Vocal Competition. Mr. Hymel's winning arias were "Addio alla madre" from Cavelleria rusticana and "O Paradis!" from L'Africaine.

Mr. Hymel, who appears as Alfredo in La traviata at the Academy of Vocal Arts this weekend, has upcoming engagements with the Wexford Festival, Greek National Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, and the Opéra National de Bordeaux, among others.

In previous years, the competition has awarded several singers first place prizes, but changed the format this year to award only one first place winner. Mr. Hymel receives $12,500 and will sing in a concert with the foundation at a date to be determined.

Famed Soprano Evelyn Lear Joins Neil Funkhouser Artists Management

2008-04-17T12:37:00.005-04:00

Neil Funkhouser Artists Management is very excited to announce that legendary soprano Evelyn Lear has joined our roster, where the company will represent her for masterclasses and narrations. Miss Lear, in the midst of a career spanning over 50 years, has sung in virtually every major opera house in the United States and abroad. As an educator, she has hosted masterclasses at many of the most important programs for young artists, including: San Francisco Opera, Washington National Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Amsterdam Conservatory of Music, and Music Academy of the West.

Miss Lear frequently serves as a judge for many important vocal competitions, and heads the Thomas Stewart and Evelyn Lear Emerging Singers Program at the Wagner Society of Washington, D.C.

Boston Loves Barbara!

2008-04-03T11:06:00.003-04:00

Soprano Barbara Quintiliani came in as #49 in the April 2008 issue of Boston Magazine, in an article entitled "The 61 New Best Things about Boston." Ms. Quintiliani, who begins rehearsals next week at Opera Boston as Elvira in Ernani, was featured along with the title "A Bostonian we love (And what she loves about Boston).

Please click here to read the article!

Carter Scott Prepares for Verdi Requiem

2008-04-01T13:55:00.007-04:00

Dramatic soprano Carter Scott, who is currently finishing a run of performances as Santuzza in Cavelleria Rusticana in San Diego, will join the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra on May 5th for the masterful Verdi Requiem. Ms. Scott, who is no stranger to Verdi, recently portrayed Leonora in La forza del destino with Knoxville Opera. Harold Duckett, critic for knoxnews.com, had this to say:

"Topping the list of vocal delights was soprano Carter Scott, who's Leonora lit up the stage and filled the house with powerful singing, as well as an especially touching moment of realization of fate's victory, delicately delivered while flat on her back near the end of Act IV."

Stephen Costello Featured in Baltimore Sun

2008-03-27T15:37:00.006-04:00

Baltimore Sun Music Critic Tim Smith interviews tenor Stephen Costello in today's (March 27, 2008) newspaper. The article, entitled "Tenor Stephen Costello, in 'Roméo et Juliette,' is generating buzz", discusses Mr. Costello's musical background as well as his thoughts on the role of Roméo and the city of Baltimore. Mr. Costello makes his role debut as Roméo Saturday evening, March 29th, at the Baltimore Opera.

Scott and Futral Applauded in San Diego Double Bill

2008-03-24T17:08:00.013-04:00

Richard Leech and Carter Scott as Turiddu and Santuzza in San Diego Opera's production of Cavalleria rusticana. (Photo by Ken Howard)

"As his girlfriend Santuzza, Scott sang and suffered heroically."

San Diego Union-Tribune

Elizabeth Futral as Nedda in Pagliacci with San Diego Opera.

"As his wife, Nedda, Futral displayed her abilities as a superlative singing actress. She trilled in tribute to birds, snarled at the lecherous Tonio (the fine Bruno Caproni), embraced her lover (portrayed as a testosterone-flavored smoothie by Scott Hendricks) and flirted with the troupe's Harlequin (sweet-voiced Simeon Esper) until the show-within-a-show turned tragic."

San Diego Union-Tribune

UPDATE: Additional review from the North County Times

Review for Bryan Hymel's New York Debut Recital

2008-03-24T15:29:00.008-04:00

Bryan Hymel with Michelle DeYoung

"Mr. Hymel's principal attributes are a strong, flexible tenor and an attractive warm timbre. He began with German works - Beethoven's "Adelaide," two Strauss songs and a Lehar aria - and projected them with a current of heroic steeliness (lightened somewhat in the Lehar). But it was hard not to feel that for Mr. Hymel, the real business at hand was the Italian repertory in the second half.

In a group of sentimental songs (including "Torna a Surriento") as well as "Mamma, quel vino è generoso" from Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana, Mr. Hymel sounded entirely at home, delivering both the subtle decoration and the heart-on-the-sleeve emotion that drives the Italian style."

Allan Kozinn, The New York Times

WATCH THE VIDEO: Bryan Hymel sings Torna a Surriento

Neil Funkhouser on the Opera Quiz

2008-03-24T15:00:00.005-04:00

Neil Funkhouser joined Cori Ellison, Dramaturg for New York City Opera, and Willie Anthony Waters, Artistic Director of Connecticut Opera for the Toll Brothers-Metropolitan Opera Quiz during the first intermission of the live broadcast of Tristan und Isolde on March 22, 2008. The Quiz was moderated by British mezzo-soprano Felicity Palmer and hosted by producer William Berger. Craig Rutenberg, Director of Music Administration for the Metropolitan Opera, played musical examples during the Quiz.

(Left to right: Craig Rutenberg, Cori Ellison, Neil Funkhouser, Willie Anthony Waters, William Berger, Felicity Palmer)

Alert - Bryan Hymel Recital

2008-03-17T15:03:00.001-04:00

Tenor Bryan Hymel, a third year resident artist at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, will be presented in recital by the George London Foundation on Thursday, March 20th. The recital, which will feature Mr. Hymel along with acclaimed mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung, will be held at the Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Avenue, New York City, at 7:30 PM.

For tickets and more information, please visit the website of the George London Foundation.

Spring Brings International Stops for Ailyn Pérez

2008-03-17T13:11:00.002-04:00

Soprano Ailyn Pérez is racking up the frequent flyer miles this spring. Ms. Pérez joined superstar tenor Plácido Domingo for concerts in Moscow and Qatar this February before singing the Schubert Mass No. 5 with the Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic, conducted by Kees Bakels.

Later this month, Ms. Pérez appears as the Countess in Le nozze di Figaro on tour to Japan with the Salzburg Festival, with stops in Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo. Ms. Pérez makes a return to Opera Theatre of St. Louis, where she triumphed last season as Violetta in La traviata, to sing the Four Heroines in The Tales of Hoffman in May and June.

She finishes the summer at the Salzburg Festival, where she will sing Juliette to Rolando Villazón's Romeo in a production of Roméo et Juliette.

Barbara Quintiliani and Jason Stearns team up for Ernani in Boston

2008-03-17T12:41:00.001-04:00

Continuing a season of collaborations by singers on the Funkhouser roster, soprano Barbara Quintiliani and baritone Jason Stearns will star in Opera Boston's production of Verdi's Ernani. Neither artist is a stranger to the great works of Verdi. Ms. Quintiliani, who will sing Elvira, was the 2006 first place winner of the Francisco Viñas Competition, where she also received the Verdi prize, while Mr. Stearns, who will sing Don Carlo, was the 2005 first place winner of the first annual Chester Ludgin American Verdi Baritone Competition.

Ernani opens May 2, and repeats May 4 and 6, and the production will be conducted by Gil Rose.

Stephen Costello Sings First Romeo, Steven White Conducts

2008-03-17T11:58:00.002-04:00

Up-and-coming tenor Stephen Costello joins the Baltimore Op era this month for his first Romeo in Gounod's Roméo et Juliette. Steven White will conduct Mr. Costello and soprano Youngok Shin in the title roles.

The opera opens March 29, with additional performances April 2, 4, and 6. The cast also includes bass Peter Volpe, bass-baritone Daniel Mobbs, and baritone Andrew Stuckey. Veteran stage director Bernard Uzan, who recently directed Mr. Costello in Opera Company of Philadelphia's Cyrano, takes the reigns for this production.

Following this production, Mr. Costello appears in a concert version of The Flying Dutchman with Opera Colorado, before singing Edgardo, a role he performed this fall at the Metropolitan Opera, in Lucia di Lammermoor at Fort Worth Opera. Mr. White will again join Mr. Costello to conduct the Lucia.

Futral and Scott Headline San Diego Double Bill

2008-03-17T11:27:00.001-04:00

Sopranos Elizabeth Futral and Carter Scott will join the San Diego Opera for opera's classic double bill of Cavelleria Rusticana and Pagliacci. The production opens March 22, and additional performances are March 25, 28, 30, and April 2.

Ms. Futral will sing her first Nedda in Pagliacci opposite star Argentinean tenor José Cura, while Ms. Scott will sing the role of the tragic peasant Santuzza in Mascagni's Cavelleria Rusticana.

Maestro Edoardo Müller conducts these two fine casts. Please find more information here.

Welcome!

2008-03-17T11:09:00.001-04:00

Thank you for visiting the new blog for Neil Funkhouser Artists Management. This blog will be used to display news regarding the company and its roster. Please check back often for updates!