House debut at HGO in ‘Rusalka’ and a return to San Francisco for ‘Carmen’

Next season, Brian Jagde will make his house debut at Houston Grand Opera as the Prince in Dvořák’s enchanting fairy tale, Rusalka. Mr. Jagde previously sang the role “admirably” and with a “shower of bright overtones” at Opera San Antonio. He is joined by soprano Ana María Martinez in the title role, baritone Richard Paul Fink as the Water Goblin, and Maestro Harry Bicket (Chief Conductor – Santa Fe Opera) on the podium. Performances take place January 29 & 31, and February 6, 9 & 12.

Later in the season he returns to the San Francisco Opera, to sing Don José in Bizet’s strikingly seductive masterpiece, Carmen. This is a signature role for Mr. Jagde, who most recently sang José in his debut at Opéra de Limoges, thrilling audiences and critics alike with his “powerful” and “heroic” portrayal, regarded as “a model of dramatic intensity.”

The production, created by the bold and provocative Spanish director Calixto Bieito, will make its U.S. debut at War Memorial Opera House (see trailer from English National Opera here). Irene Roberts sings Carmen, Zachary Nelson is Escamillo, and Nadine Sierra sings Micaëla, with Carlo Montanaro leading the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Tickets are now available for all performances: May 27 & 29, June 1, 23 & 26 and July 2.