An opera star continues his ascendancy
The star of Massenet’s “Werther”, currently playing at Sydney’s iconic Opera House in the recently upgraded Opera Theatre is Michael Fabiano.
Michael Fabiano as Werther in Opera Australia’s 2019 production of Werther at the Sydney Opera House.
Photo credit: Prudence Upton
The American-born late-starter (born 1984; professional opera debut in 2007) is appearing in the title role of the lavish and innovative Australian Opera production directed by Melbourne’s Jewish artistic genius Elijah Moshinsky using Michael Yeargan’s modern and exciting set designs. Michael Fabiano’s vocal strength and quality, combined with his outstanding acting ability and stage presence had the audience enthralled. He certainly is a worthy successor to the Caruso/Pavarotti plinth, alongside Jonas Kauffman.
This observer, having sat riveted through both of Michael Fabiano’s Sydney performances (Alfredo in Gaetano Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” in 2018 and Werther this year) ranks Michael Fabiano ahead of the other contender, Jonas Kauffman. One awaits the next episode in the competition when Jonas Kauffman returns to Australia for his concert performance of Andrea Chénier with the Australian Opera in August.
As an aside, my daughter, Sabina Myers is the Costume Consultant / Designer for this production, having Graduated with a Masters of Fine Arts Design for Performance from NIDA only 2 years ago. A great achievement in such a short time.