Fabiano…Hymel…Polenzani. Any one of these stars would be the perfect “headliner” for a major gala; now, try to imagine all three performing together onstage for the very first time!
The Dallas Opera is proud to present three of the most sought-after tenors of the 21st century as they perform a tremendously exciting program of classic opera arias, Broadway favorites and American standards, under the baton of renowned Italian guest conductor Carlo Montanaro.
“Fabiano, Hymel, and Polenzani” will take place Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, as the centerpiece of The Dallas Opera One Night Only Gala, an elegant annual fundraiser.
Each of these magnificent artists is “at the top of his game” and will be singing a selection of Opera’s most memorable moments from Turandot, Pagliacci, Werther, L’elisir d’amore, Fedora, Eugene Onegin and La Gioconda. The program will also include an American Song medley and unforgettable songs from some of the finest productions of the twentieth-century musical stage.
“For those of us who share a passionate, visceral response to incredible singing,” explains Ian Derrer, The Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO of The Dallas Opera, “it’s difficult to imagine anything more thrilling than the opportunity to experience these gifted artists in their prime.
“There’s a reason that dedicated aficionados travel the world for the chance to hear these artists in a variety of roles,” Derrer adds. “And it is nothing short of amazing to realize that Michael, Bryan, Matthew and Carlo will gather here in Dallas, to create one unforgettable evening of poignant and passionate characterizations and performances.”
The stars took time out from their busy schedules to answer questions about the event:
When have you appeared together on stage, or otherwise worked together?
Michael Fabiano: Never.
Matthew Polenzani: We have never appeared together on stage, though we have appeared in the same concerts—just not singing together.
Bryan Hymel: Michael and I went to school together at the Academy of Vocal Arts and appeared many times together there. I have never had the pleasure of singing with Matthew, but have seen him many times.
How did you develop the idea for this concert?
Bryan Hymel: Our manager, Gianluca Macheda, came up with the idea—and we loved it!
Michael Fabiano: We are three American guys who have similar interests in cars, sports, travel and, obviously, singing. We all sing similar repertory and we have a deep mutual respect for each other’s talents and thought we could put together a great showcase of American tenors performing together.
Matthew Polenzani: It really was the brainchild of our manager, Gianluca. He came up with the idea to put the three of us together, not as a “Three Tenors” reboot, but more as a continuation of that concept, re-envisioned to allow each of us to do our own things.”
Knowing that you each contributed to this program, which pieces have a special place in your heart?
Matthew Polenzani: I don’t believe the program is completely finalized yet, so that’s hard to answer. The fun will come when we get to sing together, in the medleys and such. That’s something none of us gets to experience very often. Also, the three of us are friends, which makes it even better.
Bryan Hymel: The arias I will sing, “Cielo e mar” and “Pourquoi me réveiller” are two of my favorites, as well as many of the tunes we’ll be singing in the medleys.
Michael Fabiano: “Lenski’s Aria! For me, it has been a piece with which I deeply connect, and I definitely want to share it!”
Does a concert format give you a greater opportunity to express yourself as an individual artist than performing in an opera production? If so, how?
Michael Fabiano: Absolutely! The perfunctory curtain is out of the way and we are able to share directly through song with members of the audience, instead of communicating behind makeup and a costume!
Bryan Hymel: I love singing concerts because I can just be myself while singing this beautiful music, without the distance or distractions of a staged production.
Matthew Polenzani: I’m not sure if there’s a greater opportunity for artistic expression—it’s just a different form of expression. In an opera production, we are on the stage in costume with other colleagues, working on a set with props and the whole nine yards. The focus is on inhabiting a character and forwarding the plotline. This concert allows us to be ourselves, with a big emphasis on having fun, enjoying working together, doing something we don’t often get to do, and singing music we don’t often get to sing.
What do you hope music lovers will take away from this special concert?
Michael Fabiano: That there are some great musical arrangements of American pieces that ought to be heard more often—and sung by us.
Matthew Polenzani: I hope that audiences who are already familiar with this art form will come away with a new appreciation for the three of us, as well as a deeper appreciation for their own opera house and orchestra. Hopefully, they will hear and experience music in a different way and leave the theater, not just entertained, but inspired. I would hope that people who come to our concert out of curiosity, or seeking an introduction to the art form, would leave inspired to attend future operas in Dallas or wherever they live. In the end, it’s not just about entertaining; we’re hoping to build an audience of enthusiastic music lovers, and encourage newcomers to continue to explore the art form—in a staged production, a recital, or in concert. Opera has a long, illustrious history; however, its stories remain moving and relevant today, even one-or-two hundred years after some of these works were composed.
Bryan Hymel: I hope that the concert goers leave our show feeling that classical music can be fun while, at the same time, upholding the highest level of artistic integrity.
For more information, visit dallasopera.org.
