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NJ Tenor sings at the Richard Tucker Gala
Ronni Reich, The Star Ledger - Nov 15, 2010 |
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Richard Tucker Gala Concert
Anthony Tommasini, The New York Times - Nov 15, 2010 |
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The 2010 winner is the American tenor James Valenti, who made an impressive Met debut early this year as Alfredo in Verdi’s “Traviata,” holding his own against the intense Violetta of Angela Gheorghiu. Mr. Valenti opened the Sunday program with “È la storia solita del pastore,” the lover’s lament from “L’Arlesiana” by Cilea. He shaped the poignant opening phrases with tenderness, building inexorably to the aria’s impassioned final outbursts. He was also strong in two quartets later in the evening: from Act IV of Verdi’s “Rigoletto”, and from Puccini’s “La Rondine”. |
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Adriana Lecouvreur in Washington DC
The Washington Times - Oct 28, 2010 |
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"As the opera’s not-so-likeable Romantic lead, Maurizio, tenor James Valenti certainly looked the part, which is a tricky one to play. Maurizio, after all, while a despicable cad, has to be believable as every woman’s dream, from actress to princess alike. Mr. Valenti solved the dramatic problem by simply lending himself to each moment, imbuing his character with a surprising genuineness, even in the most improbably situations. Clean and powerful, his voice radiated confidence and assuredness Sunday evening, considerably enhancing his dual role as both Romantic hero and villain." |
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Adriana Lecouvreur in Washington DC
Joe Banno, The Washington Post - Oct 26, 2010 |
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"the tenor role of Maurizio, which James Valenti delivered with virile, beautifully balanced tone and a sweetly ringing upper register...the right Mediterranean passion" |
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La traviata at The Royal Opera House Covent Garden
Kate Kellaway, The Observer/ Guardian.co.uk- July 18, 2010 |
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"James Valenti's Alfredo is glorious – a most tuneful guardian, with admirable vocal delicacy." |
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Madama Butterfly with Vancouver Opera
Janet Smith, Straight.com - May 30, 2010 |
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James Valenti has a silkily mellifluous, made-for-Puccini tenor. He brings just enough youthful sexual swagger and carefree attitude to the first act, and transforms into a remorseful wreck by the end. |
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Madama Butterfly with Vancouver Opera
Elissa Poole, The Globe and Mail - May 30, 2010 |
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Tenor James Valenti, as the naval lieutenant who “marries” Butterfly for the duration of his stay, was perfectly cast as the loathsome Pinkerton. He, too, is fine to look at: tall and handsome, with his gleaming good health and all-American, Pepsodent smile. Yet he also suggests America at its worst, with his self-satisfied arrogance, sense of entitlement, and hedonistic charm. How, though, could one resist such a glorious voice, so effortlessly projected, so free, warm, smooth, and seductive? |
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Madama Butterfly with Vancouver Opera
David Gordon Duke, The Vancouver Sun - May 30, 2010 |
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James Valenti is a singularly believable Pinkerton, all sex appeal and swagger: an impressive dramatic presence and a fine tenor sound.
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Tenor James Valenti, wins Rising Star Award
The Associated Press, April 15, 2010 |
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NEW YORK — Tenor James Valenti has won the Richard Tucker award, given annually to an American singer thought to be on the verge of a major opera career.
The 32-year-old from New Jersey made his Metropolitan Opera debut on March 29 as Alfredo in Verdi's "La Traviata." He is to make his Royal Opera debut in July in the same role and his Paris Opera debut in September as Pinkerton in Puccini's "Madama Butterfly."
He has appeared as Rodolfo in Puccini's "La Boheme" at Milan's Teatro alla Scala, Pinkerton at the San Francisco Opera and Alfredo at the Salzburg Festival in Austria. Last year, he was selected the Dallas Opera's debut artist of the year.
Valenti receives a $30,000 prize.
Past winners include Stephanie Blythe, Lawrence Brownlee, David Daniels, Joyce DiDonato, Renee Fleming, Matthew Polenzani, Deborah Voigt and Richard Leech.
For more info visit:
www.richardtucker.org |
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Voice & Looks: Valenti, A Perfect Tenor
Barbara Hoffman, The New York Post - April 12, 2010 |
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La traviata at The Metropolitan Opera
Anthony Tommasini, The New York Times - April 4, 2010 |
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"James Valenti, the dashing young American tenor who made his Met debut on Monday as Alfredo under Mr. Slatkin, seemed liberated on Saturday night under Mr. Armiliato. His voice, which combines warm, appealing sound with robust, youthful energy, made an even better impression." |
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La traviata at The Metropolitan Opera
Anthony Tommasini, The New York Times - April 1, 2010 |
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"The young, handsome American tenor James Valenti, in his Met debut at Alfredo, won over the audience with his robust, ardent singing." |
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James Valenti hits HOME RUN in his company debut
Q & A from The Metropolitan Opera |
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La traviata at The Metropolitan Opera
James Jorden, The New York Post - March 31, 2010 |
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"the 32-year-old New Jersey native's first Met performance was more than promising. Valenti revealed a sweet, even lyric tenor, an aristocratic way with a vocal line and easy confidence.
It seems downright unfair that he also boasts the smoldering good looks of a male model." |
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La traviata at The Metropolitan Opera
Anthony Tommasini, The New York Times - March 31, 2010 |
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"The young American tenor James Valenti had a solid success in his Met debut as Alfredo. He is tall (over 6 feet 5 inches), handsome and physically agile: qualities reflected in his virile and attractive singing. His voice is not huge, but it carries well. He won a rousing ovation." |
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Interview with Minnesota Public Radio
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La boheme in Minnesota
Larry Fuchsberg, The Star Tribune- March 8, 2010 |
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“Foremost among the opening-night cast…is the splendid James Valenti, whose Rodolfo, more poet than tenor, combines adult passion with boyish élan… At full throttle, he sounds thrilling, with no hint of strain. Yet he can also sing with compelling intimacy, coloring his words arrestingly.” |
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THIS TENOR'S ON FIRE!!!
By Graydon Royce, The Star Tribune- March 1, 2010 |
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"This is a good time to be James Valenti...."
Link |
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Il Giuramento in Washington DC
T.J. Ponick, The Washington Times - June 2, 2009 |
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As the conflicted romantic lead, Viscardo, attracted to Elaisa but in love with Bianca, tenor James Valenti turned in a strong performance, matching Miss Futral's bel canto qualities but also revealing considerable inner strength and virility. |
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Il Giuramento in Washington DC
Tim Smith, The Baltimore Sun - June 1, 2009 |
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James Valenti, delivered considerable passion and eloquence |
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La traviata in Berlin, "Dream Tenor from the USA" (translated from German)
Dr. Kevin Clarke, Klassik.com - April 17, 2009 |
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Crisis? Which crisis? It is always said, there are no real tenors today, like the ones in the fifties and then suddenly you have a young man, who looks like a cross between a top conditioned athlete and George Clooney, has dark curls with a chiseled profile, moves on stage easily – suave, elegant manner, is 2 metres tall, appears like a model and on top of that sings wonderfully well, produces warm, full tones, with a manly sonorous middle voice and blossoming, full ringing high notes. On top of this he shapes his Italian with clear diction and idiomatic style and also has at his disposal something as old fashioned as “Schmelz” that is the (nearly believed as forgotten) gift to schmachten (translated as: languishing). We are talking here about the 30 year old American James Valenti from New Jersey, who the Deutsche Oper Berlin engaged for the performances of “La Traviata”
The applause at the end was great and Valenti jumped in front of the curtain at the end of the applause, like a successful football player, who’s face beams after a winning match. Very American, but very likeable. |
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Opera's Answer to George Clooney (FULL ARTICLE)
By Terry Matthews, MySSnews.com, News-Telegram |
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La boheme in Dallas, " Opera's George Clooney"
Terry Matthews, MySSnews.com - Feb 16, 2009 |
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As Rodolfo, Valenti cuts a tall, dark, and handsome figure on the stage, as any leading man should. Think George Clooney with a voice that can melt your heart.
What makes the New Jersey native stand out is his beautifully nuanced voice. Not only can he belt out an aria like O soave fanciulla; he can handle the delicate, quiet moments, too.
Judging from the warm ovations he received after every aria and during the extended curtain calls, the Dallas crowd appreciated Valenti's command of the role and affection for Puccini's music.
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La boheme in Dallas
Mark- Brian Sonna, Pegasus News - Feb 19, 2009 |
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James Valenti as the lead Rodolfo is definitely a Puccini singer. He knows how to deliver the required “cry” in his voice that all Puccini male leads need to have. He mentioned in the program having studied the way Pavarotti would sing in preparation for this role, and it shows. This doesn’t mean he is copying Pavarotti. Valenti has his own distinct sound and it is magnificent. Like the master, he is able to capture the “soul” in singing. Bravo!
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James Valenti: Breaking Down Stereotypes (ARTICLE)
PlaybillArts |
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Read full article here:
Link |
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La boheme in Dallas
Scott Cantrell, The Dallas Morning News - Feb 13, 2009 |
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" James Valenti looks like a hockey player, with heartiness to match. And what a voice! He can send clarion sounds soaring over full orchestra, but his tenor also softens into tender intimacies. " |
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Madama Butterfly in Detroit
Opera News Online - Feb 2009 |
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"Valenti's Pinkerton was splendidly sung, with ringing top notes and real personality throughout his range."
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Rigoletto in Palm Beach
R. Spencer Butler, Palm Beach Daily News - Dec 14, 2008 |
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Tenor James Valenti was the swaggering and cavalier Duke of Mantua. Tall and very much the picture of the romantic lead, he brought a winning energy and intelligent musicianship to his role.
The Duke's music proceeds from the very soul of the composer. The cavatina, La donna é mobile, was a smash hit at the Venice premiere. Valenti tossed it off with spirited and supple grace. He possesses an agile tenor with a good ring with some pleasing baritonal resonance. The poetic aria, Parmi veder le lagrime, was handled with elegance and sensitivity.
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Faust in North Carolina
Charlotte Observer - Oct 22, 2008 |
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James Valenti brought the title role not only the good looks and ardent singing he displayed last time, but he added a livelier stage presence and more subtlety in his voice. Faust who looked and sounded like he really received the youthfulness that the bargain with the devil is all about. |
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La boheme in Miami
Jack Zink, Sun Sentinel - April 16, 2008 |
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James Valenti is a handsome, vigorous leading man with a ripe, colorful tenor voice that flies appealingly solo and merges smartly with his co-stars. Valenti also brought verve to the FGO's Lucia di Lammermoor in 2005 and to palm Beach's Madama Butterfly last season. |
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La boheme
Lawrence Johnson, Miami Herald - April 14, 2008 |
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An impressive Edgardo in FGO's Lucia di Lammermoor five years ago, James Valenti offered mixed rewards as Mimi's lover. Tall and dashing, Valenti possesses the requisite stage presence for the poet Rodolfo and a worthy lyric tenor, well displayed in a warmly molded Che gelida manina. |
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Madama Butterfly with NYCO
Howard Kissel, NY Daily News The Cultural Tourist - March 2008 |
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"As Pinkerton, James Valenti is perfection. His all-American good looks give a cruel irony to the role of
a man who regards his delicate bride with unheeding condescension. He sings the role like a dream." |
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Madama Butterfly with NYCO
Clive Barnes, New York Post - March 19, 2008 |
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The 29-year-old Valenti, a meteorically fast-rising American tenor with already a considerable reputation in Europe and soon to make his La Scala debut, provides a classic tenor style, with a bright but never strident tone, an easy accuracy of pitch and a totally confident stage manner. |
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Romeo et Juliette
Larry Fuchsberg, Star Tribune - Jan 28, 2008 |
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"Valenti, the toast of the evening, owns a noble instrument and deploys it judiciously. (Its timbre is Italian, not French, but who cares?) Possessing a commanding stage presence, he can rattle contact lenses in the back row, but does not mistake volume for ardor: In Act 2, his "Ah! Leve-toi, soleil!" - typically an explosion of tenorial narcissism - is prayerful, almost ecstatic" |
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Romeo et Juliette
Jay Furst , Post-Bulletin Rochester MN - Jan 29, 2008 |
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Tenor James Valenti demonstrates again why he's one of the company's great finds. An alum of the company's resident artist program, Valenti is an ideal Romeo -- an attractive actor with an expressive tenor that's just right for this challenging role. |
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Romeo et Juliette
William Randall Beard, mspmag.com - Jan 27 2008 |
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"Valenti's Romeo had a clear, ringing top that was thrilling and the power to soar over the ensembles"
"in Ellie Dehn and James Valenti, Minnesota Opera struck gold". |
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Madama Butterfly in Marseille
Opéra Magazine - Dec 2007 |
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“With his Hollywood Star physical James Valenti is an ideal Pinkerton. From a Don Juan cynicism at the beginning, he goes from emotion to heart-break. His radiant timber and his perfect delivery should bring him far"
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Madama Butterfly in Marseille
Forum Opera, Maurice Salles - Oct 28, 2007 |
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"James Valenti has a very nice figure, but also a strong and firm voice.
He truly goes for the role and copes with the difficulties of the
score without any problems." |
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Madama Butterfly in Marseille
La Marseilliaise - Oct 26, 2007 |
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"The American Tenor, James Valenti, is a gorgeous man and a young
Pinkerton who can take off his shirt without any shame." |
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Madama Butterfly in Marseille
Marseille L'Hebdo - Oct 25, 2007 |
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"James Valenti is at his best in the role of an American seducer!" |
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La boheme with MN Orchestra
Pioneer Press Aug 5 2007 |
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Valenti's performance was a vocal tour de force. He's an old-school tenor with a clear, crystalline, hall-filling voice and a natural acting style well suited to an opera rooted in realism. |
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La boheme with MN Orchestra
Star Tribune Aug 5 2007 |
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As Rodolfo, James Valenti was her match, with a powerful instrument and an ardent interpretation. His habit of clinging to fortissimo high notes was a bit crude, but certainly thrilling. |
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La traviata at COC
Toronto Star May 7 2007 |
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"Valenti cuts a 1920's Hollywood leading-man dash as Alfredo" |
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Madama Butterfly with Palm Beach Opera
SouthFlorida.com March 26 2007 |
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"James Valenti brought a bright robust tenor voice to the role of Lt. Pinkerton. He conveyed the officer's flighty recklessness with aplomb. His farewell aria rang with honeyed fervor." |
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Madama Butterfly with Palm Beach Opera
Palm Beach Daily News March 25 2007 |
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"Tenor James Valenti presented an eager, youthful Lt. Pinkerton; the picture of a "Yankee vagobondo" as he describes himself in the opening act aria, Dovunque al mondo. Valenti has a developing tenor of good dimension with bright middle and upper registers. He delivers generous high notes with good ring and carrying power. His closing act aria, Addio fiorito asil, was especially passionate." |
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Rigoletto with Opera Carolina
Opera News Online March 1 2007 |
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"One of the most impressive portrayals of the evening was the Duke of James Valenti. He is a handsome, rakish figure onstage, and he handled the vocal demands of the role with aplomb. His singing was attractive and committed." |
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Rigoletto with Opera Carolina
Charlotte Observer March 5 2007 |
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Valenti was a gift to the tenor-starved world. He not only boasted a ringing, secure voice but he was tall and slim and- especially by tenor standards- very good looking. |
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La traviata at La Monnaie
Le Soir Dec 11 2006 |
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"James Valenti, a revelation... One could not resist the adolescent candor of the Alfredo of James Valenti: it was the revelation of the evening. Here is a tenor who tactfully uses his mezza-voce and reserved his power for the moments of passion or anger. The timbre of his voice is radiant, his projection natural, and his musicality omnipresent." |
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La traviata at La Monnaie
La Libre Dec 12 2006 |
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”A seductive Valenti”
”James Valenti has what is necessary, natural and seductive”
”the American tenor shines with his projection and his secure intonation” |
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La bohème at New York City Opera
New York Times - Sept. 11, 2006 |
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"... the debut of a promising young leading man: portraying Rodolfo was James Valenti, a tall, limber tenor with an ardent, penetrating voice, secure top notes and a lovely pianissimo." |
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La bohème at New York City Opera
Clive Barnes of New York Post - Sept. 11, 2006 |
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"the promisingly robust tenor of James Valenti as Rodolfo, making his City Opera debut" |
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La bohème at New York City Opera
New York Sun - Sept. 18, 2006 |
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"New Jersey's own James Valenti was superb as Rodolfo, possessing one of those tenor voices that instantaneously captivates and establishes its own importance."
"... his "Che gelida manina" leading up to an eloquent "Sono un poeta," brought down the house." |
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La bohème at New York City Opera
Michael Caruso of Chestnut Hill Local - Sept. 24, 2006 |
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"He sang Puccini's gorgeous music with passion and precision, projecting the soaring high notes with fearless power and security yet proffering the softer and lower lines with sustained securityand focused tone. He phrased his declarations of love with ringing intensity while he offered his confessions of concern with delicate sensitivity, all the while marrying both aspects of Rodolfo's character into a convincing portrait of a young man caught between the heights of passion and the depths of despair. Perfectly matching the old description of "tall, dark and handsome," and blessed with a naturally large and beautiful voice, Valenti could be the Italian-American successor to the late Italian tenor, Franco Corelli." |
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