‘The Pearl Fishers’ in Chicago
Continuing his season of performances at Lyric Opera of Chicago, Matthew Polenzani steps into one of his most acclaimed roles, Nadir, in Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers with performances from November 19 through December 10. Mr. Polenzani’s portrayal of Nadir at The Metropolitan Opera stunned audiences in New York and across the globe via a Live in HD broadcast:
“Tenor Matthew Polenzani, who gets better each season, outshone expectations as Nadir, partnering Mr Kwiecien in the rightly famous, handsome duet, “Au fond du temple saint” with both power and elegance, and delivering his difficult aria, “Je crois entendre encore” with meltingly beautiful legato, attention to the text that would make a Lieder singer proud, and ravishing mezza voce, including a pianissimo high C near the aria’s close.” (Bachtrack)
The principal trio for the opera is completed with soprano Marina Rebeka as Leïla and baritone Mariusz Kwiecień. Sir Andrew Davis leads from the pit for all dates, which feature a richly designed production by Zandra Rhodes.