Stephen Costello Makes Santa Fe Opera Debut in Title Role of Roméo et Juliette (July 16–Aug 25)

On July 16, Stephen Costello makes his Santa Fe Opera debut in the first of seven performances in the title role of Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette. Under the baton of Chief Conductor Harry Bicket, he headlines a new production by Stephen Lawless that marks the opera’s premier staging at the company, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this season (July 16, 20, 29; Aug 4, 9, 16, 25).

Shakespeare’s star-crossed lover is a role in which the tenor has already made his mark. In his house debut at Austin Opera last year, his “sensitive singing and strong acting” (Austin 360) made waves. Similarly, at the Moscow State Philharmonic Society, the Financial Times found him to be the “possessor of strong and flexible lyrical voice and a musician with a refined taste and temperament.” And at San Diego Opera, his Roméo drew bona fide raves. The San Diego News Network declared: “Costello as Roméo is electrifying,” while San Diego Arts marveled:

“To describe the tall, broad-shouldered Costello as dashing is like calling Bill Gates well-off. And when Costello holds his gorgeous high notes just a few beats longer without the slightest sense of strain – now that is why folks come to the opera! … [I] doubt there is another tenor singing today better suited to this role.”

As for the Tucker Award-winning tenor himself, he explains: “Having any chance to sing Romeo is wonderful. This is a terrific role! The music feels just great in my voice, and I love the acting that I get to do with it.”

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