Milan – American tenor Brian Jagde recently received an unexpected opportunity to perform in the prestigious season premiere at La Scala. Having just completed a run of Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino” in Barcelona, he accepted the role of Don Alvaro for the gala event scheduled this Saturday, a highly esteemed position in the opera realm.
Jagde’s role alongside famed soprano Anna Netrebko at the iconic Teatro alla Scala will mark his third appearance at this renowned opera house. Previously, he substituted for Roberto Alagna this summer in “Turandot,” and is now stepping in for Jonas Kaufmann for the opening night performance.
In a phone conversation, Jagde expressed his excitement about being chosen for this prominent role, stating, “I’m happy to be their guy.” While it is not uncommon for American singers to perform at La Scala, particularly on opening night—a crucial highlight in the European arts calendar—it remains a rare feat as the venue typically showcases European talent.
Historically, notable American talents like Maria Callas and Brian Hymel have graced the opening stage, with Hymel making his mark in “Madame Butterfly” in 2016. Lisette Oropesa, although she performed in “Lucia di Lammermoor,” faced restrictions during the pandemic which limited her performance to a concert in an empty theater. In another instance, tenor Stuart Neill moved up from understudy to lead tenor due to rehearsal complications in 2008, earning applause from the challenging La Scala audience.
“It’s definitely one of those dreams every artist aspires to,” Jagde remarked. “It’s about being an artist and seizing the moment when it arises—not so much tied to where one hails from.” According to Jagde, the deep-rooted traditions of La Scala attract many performers. “Every artist dreams not only of performing there but of achieving great success in that space,” he noted, acknowledging the passionate audience that can either embrace or critique a performer enthusiastically.
So far, Jagde has received favorable reviews from avid opera enthusiasts during his prior performances at La Scala. He emphasized the importance of accepting feedback, asserting that it’s vital for artists to elicit feelings in their audiences, whether they be positive or negative.
At 45 years old, Jagde grew up in the suburbs of New York City, initially participating in musicals and choirs without considering a career in opera. He began his studies in computer science and business before discovering a classical music program at Purchase College. “At that time, I didn’t realize classical voice led to opera,” he laughed, recalling how he fell in love with the genre after being accepted to the program. He soon became captivated by the operatic voice’s pure expression, describing on-stage moments where he experienced an unprecedented acoustic sound—his voice seamlessly blending with the orchestra.
Initially labeled as a baritone by his college instructors, Jagde spent years auditioning in that voice range until he recognized that he was naturally inclined toward tenor high notes while lacking lower notes. Transitioning to tenor auditions resulted in a surge of roles, including his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 2021 as Cavaradossi in “Tosca.” His impressive resume includes performances at major European venues such as the Paris Opera and Vienna Staatsoper.
During the current 2023/24 season, he enhanced his portrayal of Don Alvaro at prominent opera houses including the Metropolitan and Royal Opera Houses. Jagde previously debuted at La Scala in the role of Turiddu in “Cavalleria rusticana” last spring.
According to La Scala’s general manager Dominique Meyer, the primary factor in casting decisions revolves around the singer’s ability to fulfill the role. Jagde is one of a select few tenors fit for Don Alvaro, and as luck would have it, he was available to step in.
After completing performances in Barcelona, Jagde wasted no time and headed to La Scala for rehearsals the following day. He described Don Alvaro as a role that has evolved alongside his growth as an artist. Additionally, he noted that sharing the stage again with seasoned artist Netrebko will ease some of the nerves associated with the gala premiere. “She is an incredible colleague, always cheerful and supportive,” he shared.
