Stars of Lyric Opera Concert / Lyric Opera of Chicago
John von Rhein
Chicago Tribune
That left two Lyric stalwarts, tenor Matthew Polenzani and bass-baritone Eric Owens, to demonstrate to their younger colleagues what stellar vocalism and surpassing artistry are all about. Each singer was heard in selections from a work in which he will be starring in the season ahead – Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” in Polenzani’s case; Wagner’s “Die Walkure,” in Owens’."
Polenzani’s Duke of Mantua poured on Italianate seductive suavity for the famed tenor aria “La donna e mobile,” before joining Bridges, Chuchman and Evans for a well-blended rendition of the third-act quartet from the Verdi opera.”
“The highlight of the evening for me was Matthew Polenzani and Anthony Clark Evans singing the famous tenor/baritone duet from Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers. This was old-school opera glamour and Polenzani’s elegant tenor found a lovely match in Clark Evans’ rich, easy baritone. The Pearl Fishers, with Polenzani as Nadir, comes to LOC in a new-to-Chicago production at the end of November.”
Hannah De Priest – Schmopera
“Tenor Matthew Polenzani offered a fine rendition of “La donna è mobile” from Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” His attention to the text and splendid diction was matched by his masculine bravado and beautiful tone.”
M.L. Rantala – Hyde Park Herald