‘Aïda’ at Seattle Opera

The discovery of the night was the Radamès, Brian Jagde, his voice bold, bright, and resonant, effortlessly hall-filling. A heroic Italian-style tenor to the marrow, he makes an ardent, boyish Radamès ...

“In the role of Radamès, the ill-fated commander who loves Aida, Brian Jagde displayed superb power and focus, but also was able to dial down that Wagner-sized tenor a bit in his more tender scenes with Aida.”
Melinda Bargreen – The Seattle Times

“The discovery of the night was the Radamès, Brian Jagde, his voice bold, bright, and resonant, effortlessly hall-filling. A heroic Italian-style tenor to the marrow, he makes an ardent, boyish Radamès —and if he can deepen and darken his stage presence, he could be the Otello I’ve been waiting 24 seasons for Seattle Opera to find.”
Gavin Borchert – Seattle Weekly

“Brian Jagde‘s huge octane-rich tenor fired away from the word go and was put to marvellous use in portraying a highly fervent and eventually punished Radamès. Diction-perfect and phrased with purpose, Jagde effortlessly made belief of Radamès’ love for Aida and unsavoury road of dishonour.”
–OperaChaser

“With a voice as smooth and rich as warm caramel sauce, tenor Brian Jagde had the vocal strength for Radamés’ big scenes such as the victory scene or his entrapment by Aida and her father in an act of treachery, as well as the subtlety and control for his tender and lovely duets with Aida.”
Maggie Larrick – Queen Anne & Magnolia News

“The opening night trio who comprise the central love triangle—Leah Crocetto, Brian Jagde, and Milijana Nikolic—hit Verdi’s notes, both in grandeur and in subtlety …”
Stefan Milne – Seattle Met

“Jagde was able to bring a deep sincerity to the role, even in the most grandiose moments, while still maintaining the powerful trumpet-like tenor needed to portray the leader of an army. Crocetto and Jagde are reprising their roles from the San Francisco staging of this same production and it has clearly served to enhance their chemistry. They are never more genuine than when they are together.”
Molly Cassidy – Drama in the Hood

“Brian Jagde’s Radamés was gratifyingly strident and powerful … he is a fine actor and clearly a tenor to watch.”
Sharon Cumberland – SGN.org