RECENT EVENTS

Ernani on tour in Japan

Teatro Comunale di Bologna ended its fifth Japan Tour with 3 performances of Verdi's "Ernani", which was staged in May by Beppe de Tomasi. Ferruccio Furlanetto sang Silva on both occasions - in May in Bologna and in September in Tokio with the huge success amoung the public and critics alike. He easily dominated the stage and showed deep beautiful singing with the great sense of theater.

"Ferruccio Furlanetto is a Don Ruy of Silva of great physical and vocal authoritativeness; the darkest voice comes off cleanly and finds the just accents that move the public in the moments of greater intensity" (Teatro.org about May performance).

The performances in the Tokio Bunka Kaikan was conducted by Renato Palumbo, Ernani – Roberto Aronica, Elvira – Dimitra Theodossiou, Don Carlo – Roberto Frontali. During the curtain call the chorus and soloist sang "Va, pensiero" with the big banner "Forza Giappone". See below some YouTube videos from the “Ernani” performances and backstage and also the photos of the production.

"Ernani" Teatro Comunale di Bologna - Japan tour, Sept. 2011

Ernani at the Teatro Comunale Photogallery. Photos Rocco Casaluci

Simon Boccanegra triumphs in Vienna

The opening night of „Simon Boccanegra“ at the Wiener Staatsoper was a smashing success. The tickets for the event were in great demand and a huge line was waiting for the standing room tickets from the early morning. The performance was shown live on a big screen at the Rathauseplatz and also on the screen at Staatsoper. The curtarn call at the house lasted 15 minutes and then the whole cast moved to Rathauseplatz to bow before 6000 people watching the performance on the big screen.

Ferruccio Furlanetto had preformed the role of Fiesco at the Staatsoper many times (actually 28 now). He debuted with this part in 1982 at the Metropolitan opera, and in Vienna he sang it for the first time in 1990, he also sang the premiere of the current Peter Stein production in 2002 in the Staatsoper (this performance is available on DVD).

The whole cast was stellar: the part of Simon Boccanegra were taken by Placido Domingo, Amelia by Barbara Frittoli, Gabriel Adorno by Massimiliano Pisapia. Conductor - Paolo Carignani. The two performances were highly regarded by the press.

The Kronen Zeitung: "Ideal were also Domingo’s partners: Ferruccio Furlanetto, beautifully performing the role of Fiesco since it’s premiere in 2002…”, his grief, revenge and rage and finally reconcillation “gives a real vibration to a listener”. And his voice “without forcing, convinced with expression and personality.” Daniel Ender from Der Standard was also impressed by Furlanetto’s “acting abilities, his bitterness and darkness”.

Simon Boccanegra, Vienna Staatsoper

Ferruccio Furlanetto is opening the 2011/12 season with one of his most renowned parts of Jacopo Fiesco in Simon Boccanegra in the Vienna Staatsoper on September 3 and 6. Simon Boccanegra - Placido Domingo, Gabriele Adorno – Fabio Sartori, Amelia – Barbara Frittoli. Conductor - Paolo Carignani.

In the old production of Peter Stein at the Vienna Staatsoper, Ferruccio Furlanetto sang several times before, and it was documented on DVD in 2002 by TDK. Another DVD of Simon Boccanegra from the Covent-Garden came out last year and became Disc of the Month in the English Magazine Gramophone. “In absolutely great shape, the Italian bass with easy and sonorous low notes confirms that he is one of the best if not the best Fiesco”, — wrote about this release the Paris Magazine Opera.

Last time Ferruccio Furlanetto sang this role at Metropolitan Opera in January and again triumphed. Antonio Tommasini wrote in New York Times: “Ferruccio Furlanetto as Fiesco gave a master class in Verdi singing... In the true Italian manner, his voice is even, full and effortlessly powerful from bottom to top."

Ferruccio Furlanetto also spoke about the part in different interviews: “Fiesco starts with rage and hatred, partly because of the difference in social classes, and he goes on like that. But in the end, Verdi gives him an incredible opportunity for redemption. This change of character is amazing. Fiesco suddenly has the courage to admit all the mistakes he's made in his life up to the moment he realizes that not only Boccanegra was guilty of the death of his daughter, but also that he has found his grandchild. There is a magnificent duet for Fiesco and Boccanegra in which there is a triumph of this redemption for both of them.”

For the first time, Ferruccio Furlanetto sang this role in 1982 at the Met and ever since Fiesco became one of the most performed role for the singer.

Both performances are completely sold out. The first evening on September 3 will be transmitted live on the big screen at Rathouse Square in Vienna. Both performances on September 3 and 6 will be transmitted live on the big screen at the Staatsoper at Karajan Platz.

To Vienna Staatsoper

Verdi Requiem, BBC proms

On Sunday 24 July, Ferruccio Furlanetto sang a bass part in Verdi’s Requiem in the Royal Albert Hall in London in 13 BBC Prom with Marina Poplavskaya (soprano), Mariana Pentcheva (mezzo-soprano), and Joseph Calleja (tenor) in other parts. The Requiem was performed by BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC National Chorus of Wales, London Philharmonic Choir, and BBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of maestro Semyon Bychkov.

The performance was highly regarded by critics.

"The most emotionally fraught voice on stage belonged to the Italian bass Ferruccio Furlanetto, who seemed to bring the wisdom of ages to his words. His line “Salve me, fons pietatis” – save me, thou fount of pity – provided the most profound moment of the entire evening" Ivan Hewlett, The Telegraph

"Furlanetto sounded suitably oracular in his prophecies of catastrophe." Tim Ashley, The Guardian

"Ferruccio Furlanetto, who also sings in Bychkov’s recording of the Requiem, was as implacable as Fiesco, or Philip II, in the Confutatis; rock solid in Mors stupebit. He even displayed a decent trill in the Hostias section of the Offertory. His intoning of ‘Requiem aeternum’ in the Lux aeterna had sepulchral gravity. There is no finer Italian bass around today." Opera_Britannia

"In Furlanetto’s singing of Oro supplex et acclinis, you could hear the fear of the supplicant believer, in absolute terror of the appalling afterlife that he had been led to believe could be in store for him." Andrew Benson-Wilson Bachtrack.com

"Ferruccio Furlanetto did full justice to the score and demonstrated why he is one of the most sought-after, celebrated classic singers of our time. His warm, beautiful and sonorous bass filled up the hall, soaring above the orchestra, impeccably projecting the power of the music and the words. Of the four soloists, he was the one who felt obviously “at home” in this work, probably because he has sung it many times and recorded it twice before: In 1994 under the baton of Daniel Barenboim and in 2007 with the evening’s conductor, Semyon Bychkov." Margarida Mota-Bull Seenandheard-International.com

The performance will be shown BBC Four on 21 August and also will be available online for 7 days after broadcast.

To the BBC3 radio broadcast

Scenes from "Boris Godunov" in Berlin

On June 16, 17, 18 Ferruccio Furlanetto sung with great success Coronation Scene and Death Scene from Mussorgsky “Boris Godunov” in a concert with Berlin Philharmonic orchestra in Berlin, conductor - Peter Eötvös , composer to whom renowned orchestra commissioned Cello Concert which was also performed at the concert. The last performance at June 18 you can find at Digital Concert Hall.

The impressions from Sonic Labyrinth blog: "Ferruccio Furlanetto joined the orchestra as soloist in the Coronation Scene and Death Scene from Boris Godunov. They played the original Mussorgsky scoring, not the Rimsky version, and Furlanetto amazed everyone with how quickly he could capture the intensity of these moments from deep within a labyrinthine opera. He sang the death scene with a strength that could still embrace a sense of prayer, and an emotion on the very edge of tears. Furlanetto was given a thunderous ovation on each appearance after the performance."

Ferruccio Furlanetto performed together with the Berliner Philharmoniker at the Salzburg Easter Festival, conducted by Herbert von Karajan and Claudio Abbado and did with the orchestra several recordings. But this was his first appearance in the orchestra’s Berlin concerts.

To buy tickets for Digital Concert Hall

Don Carlo triumphs in Brazil

The recent Met’s Don Carlo at December, 28 was shown on screen of 25 theaters in 12 cities of Brazil (and also all around USA and Europe). Shortly before that Ferruccio Furlanetto answered to the questions of Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S.Paulo, about one of his favorite characters:

“King Philip II is without any doubt one of the greatest roles of the entire opera repertoire because it has the magic of a sensational music used to paint his character, a very profound text and the fact of being an historical reality. In him you can find all the many angles of the character of the most powerful man on earth during his time facing political, religious, human obstacles to his "happiness". Moments of public glory and power and moments of solitude and human depression”.

And about great challenges of this role:

“Vocally, the greatest difficulty is to find the large range of colors that one needs to paint all these states of mind, all the torment that this man has inside. The vocal range that Verdi has used is absolutely ideal for a "basso cantante", but painting with the voice the enormous storm that he has in his soul is very hard”.

The screenings were accompanied by reviews in the Brazilian press praising production, cast and “experienced and wonderful” Ferruccio Furlanetto.

The Encores of Don Carlo HD-live can be seen at the cinemas

The HD-live broadcast of Don Carlo received the same sensational reviews as stage performances. “Bass Ferruccio Furlanetto was excellent as King Philip in November and now he was even better. He whispered some of his words, like "guarda," as he warned Rodrigo to beware of the Grand Inquisitor, and throughout much of "Ella giammai m'amo" ("She never loved me") as he talked to himself while half asleep. The quiet interplay in this aria between Furlanetto and the orchestra's cellist was breathtaking. The Italian bass brought out the vulnerability and pathos of his character, with commanding Verdian style.” Steve Cohen, TheOperaCritic.com 14.12.2010

The encores of this performance can still be seen around USA and Canada. U.S. Encore: Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, 6:30 p.m. local time.

Canada Encores: Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, 12:30 p.m. ET; Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, 6 p.m. ET

"King Philip of our time"

Endless stream of reviews on Met's Don Carlo.

"One of the most powerful scenes in the production was their Act II meeting, in which the splendid bass Ferrucio Furlanetto, as the harsh, intimidating Philip, slowly dropped his guard enough to offer Posa friendship and a glimpse of his own fears. That same slight hint of vulnerability also made Philip's famous Act IV aria, in which he bemoans the fact that his wife doesn't love him and he cannot read human hearts, more effective than an all-out wail. " HEIDI WALESON(The Wall Street Journal)

"The cast assembled by the Met was very strong, but top vocal honors clearly go to Ferruccio Furlanetto – the King Philip of our time. He utterly inhabited the role of the all-powerful ruler who was curiously powerless to hold onto what was dearest to his heart – his wife, his son and his only friend, Posa. The musical highlight of the evening, Furlanetto's "Ella giammai m'amo", the aria that opens Act IV, distilled the entire character into a gorgeously sung lament. His deep, round, resonant voice, with its unforced power and capacity for dynamic nuance, literally stopped the show. Dramatically, Furlanetto's performance was full of marvelously telling gestures which illuminated Philip’s emotional state. Unable to articulate his love for Elisabeth, he is limited to expressions of jealousy and anger at her perceived betrayal. When she faints, he gathers her up in his arms and caresses her, gently stroking her hair,showering affection on the young wife who – conscious or not – is utterly unresponsive to him.

Also splendid was Furlanetto’s scene with the Grand Inquisitor" Arlene Judith Klotzko (ConcertoNet.com)

"… commanding performances of Ferruccio Furlanetto as Philip II of Spain and of Marina Poplavskaya as Elisabeth, his haunted wife" The New Yorker

And in Russian NY edition: "Но героем спектакля стал итальянский бас Ферруччо Фурланетто в роли короля Филиппа. Его девятиминутная сцена-монолог в начале четвертого акта, где Филипп наедине с собой перебирает горести своей жизни, вызвала самые долгие и громкие аплодисменты". Майя Прицкер

"But the hero of the performance became Italian Bass Ferruccio Furlanetto in the role of King Philip. His 9-minute scene-monolog at the beginning of Act IV, where Philip alone with himself goes through sorrows of his life received the longest and laudest ovation of the evening" RUNYweb.com

"The Star of the Evening"

And still more reviews came out on Met's Don Carlo praising Ferruccio Furlanetto's stellar performance.

"The star of the evening was Ferruccio Furlanetto, as the conflicted tyrant Philip II. Rich-voiced and eloquent, Mr. Furlanetto portrayed the king as both aggressive and fragile, an aging monarch making the slow transition from the youthful idealism of Rodrigo and Carlo to the decrepit, faceless evil of the Grand Inquisitor. " Zachary Woolfe(The NY Observer)

"Ferruccio Furlanetto made Philip’s monologue flow with sorrowful beauty. " Manuela Hoelterhoff (Bloomberg)

"The musical and dramatic high point of the show was Ferruccio Furlanetto’s rendition of the King’s great aria “Ella Giammai M’amo.” It would take an entire review in itself to explore the rich detail, the sonority and variety of vocal and expressive color Furlanetto was able to bring to this aria, perhaps the greatest aria for bass ever written by Verdi. The arching phrase “Amor per me non ha,” greatly feared by basses, is repeated twice. In the first of two repetitions, this great artist succeeded in slimming his large voice into a slender, yet ringing, stream of sound. He did not allow himself to be rushed by the conductor, taking all the time he needed to properly breathe and prepare for each, ever more challenge phrase, but in no way diminishing the intensifying drama of this scena. In the reprise of the difficult phrase mentioned above, he opened up with a massive, engulfing sound that was overwhelming in its emotional intensity, as the King, possessing all the political might of the world, mourns his wife’s lack of love and his solitude. GBOPERA

"Furlanetto’s Vocal Reign"

More reviews came out on Met's Don Carlo.

"Ferruccio Furlanetto dominates proceedings triumphantly as Filippo II. … enriches the cantilena with an endless stream of deep, dark, rolling tone, always fresh and equally resonant at both range extremes. ....he conveys the king’s anguish with compelling dignity and authority." Martin Bernheimer (The Financial Times)

"Furlanetto not only gives his bass a plangent quality, but his acting, particularly in the ruminative fourth-act soliloquy, is superb -- revealing a tyrant who is three-dimensionally human." David Finkle (The Theater Mania)

"It's always hard to know how much inspiration comes from a director and how much from the singer: Ferruccio Furlanetto, who has become one of the great portrayers of King Philip, had some of the same tender, telling touches on Monday that he showed in the live broadcast of La Scala's opening night in 2008. After accusing his wife, Elisabetta, of adultery, he grabs her fainted body and cradles her head, pouring out all the affection he can't figure out how to give her when she's conscious.

Vocally, the evening was sustained by Furlanetto and Roberto Alagna….

…the ability to keep still onstage conveys a kind of authority and strength that excessive gestures seldom achieve - as Furlanetto's King Philip demonstrated in his magisterial Act 2 duet with Keenlyside's shifting Posa." Anne Midgette. (The Washington Post)

"Ferruccio Furlanetto was an intensely human King Philip." David Patrick Stearns (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

"Ferruccio Furlanetto offered a searing performance as Philip II. His voice is evenly round and majestic across the register and his heart-wrenching Ella giammai m’amo brought a prolonged storm of applause. The moving portrayal of the tyrant’s private grief was marred only by the presence of a gilded reliquary in the corner with a garish image of a saint peering out like a jack-in-the-box. ...Furlanetto’s vocal reign." Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim (The Classical Review)

"Impressive was Ferrucio Furlanetto’s conflicted King Philip. The Italian bass still commands a vast range and thundering vocal power." James Jorden (New York Post)

Don Carlo Premiere at The Met

The premiere of “Don Carlo” at Metropolitan Opera on November, 22 was great success. Ferruccio Furlanetto deserved the biggest ovation of the house for 4th act king Philip’s Aria and also at the final call. Antonio Tommasini reports at New York Times:

“The member of the cast who best exemplified the Italianate Verdi style was the bass Ferruccio Furlanetto, as Philip. The king is the opera’s most psychologically complex character. Marrying Elisabeth is not just a political maneuver but the rash act of an older man who feels threatened by his dreamy, idealistic son. Philip is understandably paranoid, since the real power in his realm is the ruthless Grand Inquisitor.

Mr. Furlanetto brought aching expressivity and stentorian sound to the scene in which Philip, in his lonely study at night, is overcome with anguish as he confronts the reality of his life: a young wife who never loved him; a rebellious, contemptuous son; subjects who fear him”.

«Furlanetto was just as dominating and had the evening's best vocal performance when the brooding king laments on his unloving wife in "Ella giammai m'amo! (She never loved me!)" the great bass aria». (Ronald Blum. Associated Press)

In other parts of Nycholas Hytner new production of Verdi's opera: Don Carlo – Roberto Alagna, Elisabetta – Marina Poplavskaya, Eboli – Anna Smirnova, Posa – Simon Keenlyside, Grand Inquisitor – Erik Halfvarson. Conductor - Yannick Nezet-Seguin

Don't miss "Don Carlo" Premiere from the Met

Don’t miss “Don Carlo” premiere broadcast on the Metropolitan Opera web-site on November, 22, 19.00. Ferruccio Furlanetto sings his signature role – king Philipp making his third appearance in the Nicholas Hytner production first staged at Covent-Garden. Ferruccio Furlanetto debuted in this role in 1981 in Kassel (Germany) and at Easter Salzburg Festival at 1986 with Karajan, it is available on CD with James Levine from 1993 Metropolitan Opera and on DVD in 3 versions. “The Philipp which I do is the Philipp which I feel. Therefore I have my own ideas of the role and I do productions where I can create my Philipp. Verdi put’s in his mouth certain words and certain attitudes which gives Philipp fantastic human side. You can see the most powerful man on Eath at that time and on the other side when he is alone in his room, you can see the human side of this man. And this is more interesting then severe dry king from A to Z.”, - the singer says. Ferruccio Furlanetto’s Philipp is highly praised by the critics all over the world. “Ferruccio Furlanetto’s majestic Philip II held the house spellbound for his gloomy interior monologue of self-recrimination. Finally, the music had found a near-ideal interpreter — a voice of stature and a charismatic actor deeply inside the psychology of his role.” Hugh Canning, The Sunday Times. “…he sang the best Filippo II we could dream of. This is, of course, the result of both acting and singing convincingly: his voice is simply perfect for the role, as it sounds both mature and still fresh; his acting perfectly portrayed the duality of his character, torn between his remorse and his impulses”. Mundoclasico.com

Listen Live from the Met

The International Tchaikovsky Competition

Ferruccio Furlanetto will participate in the jury of The International Tchaikovsky Competition which is set for June 14-July 2, 2011 in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The Juries was announced on November, 4 by Chairman Valery Gergiev. The other members of the Jury for Vocal competition includes Placido Domingo (Honorary Chairmen), Teresa Berganza, Ileana Cotrubas, Elena Obraztsova (winner in 1970), Renata Scotto. The Vocal Competion will be held June 22 - July 2 at St.Petersburg in two beautiful halls – one historic one Glinka Capella of the St. Petersburg State Cultural Institution (Rounds 1 & 2); and in new one - Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theatre (Round 3)

To Tchaikovsky Competition

Richard Tucker Musical Foundation Gala

Ferruccio Furlanetto participated in the annual Gala concert for Richard Tucker foundation. He “brought dignity and impressive power to a selection from Massenet’s “Don Quichotte”, as Mike Silverman from AP stated, and received sensational reaction from the audience for “She Nearly Was Mine” from “South Pacific”. In the last one “he gave a movingly restrained performance, the expression of a character more defeated than embittered by the loss of a dream romance”. (New York Times). The Gala-concert followed by dinner was held at November, 14 at Avery Fisher Hall.

Ferruccio Furlanetto Interview about Salzburg

The Salzburg Summer Festival is a big musical and cultural event with opera, concert and drama programs with a lot of meetings, exhibitions and celebrations (this year - 90 years of Salzburg Summer Festival and 50 – years of Grosses Festspielhaus – main festival venue). But event in event was Ferruccio Furlanetto performances, who participate in the festival for the 17th time, gave 2 opera performances as Oroveso in “Norma”in concert version and sung Mussorgsky “Songs and Dances of Death” with Concertgebouw orchestra under Mariss Jansons. These concerts received high critical acclaim and sensational reaction from the public. But Ferruccio Furlanetto appeared not only on stage: during the Festival different meetings, presentation and signing sessions are arranged. Among them one of the most interesting was presentation of CD with Russian Recital of Mussorgsky and Rachmaninov which was recorded this year and released shortly before the Festival starts. Actually this program was almost “born” here: one of the very first recitals with Russian songs of Ferruccio Furlanetto and Alexis Weissenberg happened on 1993 at Salzburg Festival. So it was obvious that long aviated recording not only appeared in the Musical shops in Salzburg but was also accompanied by special event: presentation of CD with the mighty interesting and witty Talk between Ferruccio Furlanetto and Jurgen Flimm – intendant of the Festival. Photo and video report you can find here. Famous singer also spoke about his participation at Salzburg from the very beginning in the interview to St.Petersburg Music and Art magazine. English version of this interview is presented below.

Read the Interview

Simon Boccanegra from ROH new DVD Release

DVD release from ROH Covent-Garden production coming out on EMI Classics. The live performance from 2010 was recorded. Ferruccio Furlanetto sings the part of Fiesco. Placido Domingo in the title part, Amelia - Marina Poplavskaya, Gabriele Adorno - Joseph Calleja, Paolo Albiani - Jonathan Summers. Conducted by Antonio Pappano, directed by Elijah Moshinsky.

Ferruccio Furlanetto reprised his sonorous, sometimes terrifying Fiesco. (Music OMH 1.07.2010 )

Ferruccio Furlanetto's Fiesco was as excellent as ever. (MusicalCriticism.com)

On EMI Classics

"Don Quichotte" from Teatro Massimo on RAI 3

Don’t miss “Don Quichotte” Massenet and Ferruccio Furlanetto in his favorite role from Teatro Massimo, Palermo at January, 15 at Radio 3 at 20.00 at RAI 3. HIghly successful performance was recorded October, 2010 live at Teatro Massimo. Ferruccio Furlanetto sings title role. Sancho - Eduardo Chama, Dulcinee -Irini Karaianni. Alain Guingal conducts.

Listen at RAI 3

Ferruccio Furlanetto at Richard Tucker Memorial Gala

Ferruccio Furlanetto will take part in 2010 Richard Tucker Music Foundation Gala November, 14 2010 at Avery Fisher Hall. Also starring Elina Garanca, Marcello Giordani, Brandon Jovanovich, Simon Keenlyside, Mariusz Kwiecien, Zeljko Lucic, Angela Meade, Anna Nerebko, Matthew Polenzani, Deborah Voight and James Valenti 2010 Richard Tucker Award winner. Conductor - Marco Armiliato, Members of Metropolitan opera orchestra, New York Choral society. More information about the event and tickets you can find at Richard Tucker Music Foundation

FIND MORE

Meet Ferruccio Furlanetto during Don Carlo Panel Discussion

Don Carlo Panel Discussion will be held Monday, November 1, 6 pm at the Metropolitan Opera House. Nicholas Hytner’s new production of Verdi’s most ambitious opera won remarkable acclaim when it premiered in London. Meet Maestro Yannick Nezet-Seguin, Roberto Alagna, Ferruccio Furlanetto, and Simon Keenlyside, at this on-stage discussion, moderated by Sarah Billinghurst. More information and tickets to this event and performances can be found at Metropolitan opera site.

Teatro Massimo "Don Quichotte" in the Italian press

The series of four highly successful performances of Massenet “Don Quichotte” just ended at Teatro Massimo, Palermo where opera returned on stage after 42 years of absence. Ferruccio Furlanetto, who was called by Italian press a great interpreter of our day, received high critical acclaim for his Don Quichotte. Read the first reviews in Italian. International press and translations coming soon.

READ THE PRESS

Ferruccio Furlanetto Interview to Eduardo Chama podcast

During the series of performances of Jules Massnet's "Don Quichotte" at Teatro Massimo Palermo where Ferruccio Furlanetto was singing title role he gave an interview to Eduardo Chama - argentinean basse, who sung Sancho. It can be heard at Eduardo Chama podcast directed to vocal students of Mason Gross school of Arts expecially dedicated to Eduardo Chama students.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

Don Quixotte at Teatro Massimo Palermo October 2010. Photo: Franco Lannino

VIEW WHOLE PHOTO GALLERY

Don Quichotte at Teatro Massimo coming soon

The series of performances of Jules Massnet's "Don Quichotte" is about to start on October, 15 at Teatro Massimo Palermo where Ferruccio Furlanetto will sing title role. In other parts: Sancho - Eduardo Chama, Dulcinee -Irini Karaianni. Conductor - Alain Guingal. Ferruccio Furlanetto will sing Don Quichotte for the third time in this year when opera (originally created for a famous Russian bass Feodor Chaliapin) celebrates its 100-anneversary. In February and in June during White Stars festival he sung this role with great success at Mariinsky theater in St.Petersburg and during this time shared his thoughts about this part:

" The character is my favorite. This role is a pure love and poetry. What somebody could desire more that this? And today especially we need that than all around seems to be about power, success, money and other avid things, sometimes it is lovely to hear for 3 hours what man should be. And Don Quichotte is so full of humanity and it gives so much space for interpretation, for throwing yourself emotionally in it! It is a real universe of possibilities!.. "

La Forza del Destino at Vienna Staatsoper

Ferruccio Furlanetto finished a series of September performances of La Forza del Destino at Vienna Staatsoper where he reprised the part of Padre Guardiano (the first time he sung in this production was December 2009) and impresses The Krone observer with “dignity, warm, smooth bass timbre and personality”. The great dignity which he brought to the role was pointed also by Der Neue Merker and Kurier also mentioning his splendid performance. Other parts were sung by Eva-Maria Westbroek, Zeljko Lucic, Fabio Armiliato and Nadia Krasteva.

READ THE PRESS

New Russian CD in Reviews and Distribution

Rachmaninov-Mussorgsky CD of Ferruccio Furlanetto, which came out this summer and marked the birth of new label Prestige Classics Vienna is receiving sensational reviews in the Austrian and International press. First it became available in the musical shops in Vienna and Salzburg, now it came to Amazon, iTunes and CDbaby as well as to shops in Moscow and St.Petersburg.

READ THE PRESS

Don Carlo from ROH new DVD Release

On September a long avaited DVD release from ROH Covent-Garden production came out on EMI Classics.The highly successful Nicholas Hytner production of 2008 received high critical acclaim, was repeated at ROH next season and will be soon seen at Metropoliten-opera. On this DVD release live performance from 2008 was recorded. Conducted by Antonio Pappano. Philipp II - Ferruccio Furlanetto, Don Carlo - Rolando Villazon, Rodrigo - Simon Keenlyside, Elisabetta de Valois - Marina Poplavskaya, La Principessa d’Eboli - Sonia Ganassi.

On EMI Classics

Gala-Concert on September, 15

On September, 15 Ferruccio Furlanetto will give benefit Gala-Concert at Mozart Hall at Vienna Konzerhaus (Clemens Zeilinger piano). The concert will include famous and rarely performed arias as well as some piano works. Tickets are available at Vienna Koncerthaus (Lothringerstr.20 , 1037 Wien Tel.Nr. 01-242002 oder email: ticket@konzerthaus.at). Concert is organized by Non-Profit organization Live Music Now.

Program of the concert

Concert with Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Broadcast

On September, 5 BR-classic will be broadcasting Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam orchestra concert under Mariss Jansons from August 25 with Ferruccio Furlanetto singing Mussorgsky "Songs and Dances of Death". Program opens with Bela Bartok Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, after the Intermission Mussorgsky "Songs and Dances of Death" follows. The program ends with Igor Stravinsky L'Oiseau de feu (The Firebird). The broadcast starts at 18.05.

BR-klassik program

Opening Season-Gala at Volksoper

On September, 3 Ferruccio Furlanetto participated in Open-air Gala-concert of Vienna Volksoper. Gala-concert presented rich world of Operetta, Opera and Musicals. Ferruccio Furlanetto sung “This nearly was mine” from “South Pacific” (highly successful semi-stage production of last season will be performed on February, 27 and March, 2 2011). Christoph Wagner-Trenkwitz was the Moderator of the evening with his usual wit and sense of humor. 20 singers (among them Angelika Kirchschlager and Kurt Rydl), four conductors, Choir and Orchestra of Volksoper Wien took part in this season opening evening.

Rachmaninov and Mussorgsky CD Presentation

Ferruccio Furlanetto was busy at the recent Salzburg Festival not only with his performances in “Norma” and with Royal Concertgebouw orchestra. He also participated in the presentation of his latest CD with Russian program of Rachmaninov and Mussorgssky songs and in signing sessions. The presentation of CD was held at Gallery Welz and organized by Musikhaus Katholnigg. Jurgen Flimm – the Intendant of Salzburg Festival - held the interesting and witty conversation with Ferruccio Furlanetto and introduced new CD to the public. Video of the conversation is on the site.

Two Concerts with Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

The Mussorgsky “Songs and Dances of Death” performed by Ferruccio Furlanetto at two concerts with Concertgebouw orchestra under Mariss Jansons in Amsterdam and Salzburg turned to be great success. At Concergebouw Hall where Ferruccio Furlanetto performed for the first time, there was standing ovation after the piece (as well as at the end of the concert). This concert was the first performance of Furlanetto and Jansons together and was very interesting and productive one. Mussorgsky cycle originally written for the piano was performed in the Shostakovich orchestra version. Salzburg concert was in a way even more interesting and deep in the interpretation as reviewed by classicmus.ru

Norma at Salzburg Festival

First “Norma” with glorious cast of Edita Gruberova, Joyce Di Donato, Marcello Giordani and Ferruccio Furlanetto became great success ending up with long curtain call and standing ovation. Ferruccio Furlanetto debuted in the part of Oroveso and received high critical acclaim for his performance. “With Ferruccio Furlanetto, another charismatic singer entered the imaginary forest, spreading Festival radiance”, “Der Standard” gushed.

"Norma" in reviews

Ferruccio Furlanetto 17th Salzburg Summer Festival

This year Ferruccio Furlanetto will participate at Salzburg Summer Festival for the seventeenth time. His debut at the festival was in Jean-Pierre Ponnelle production of “Le Nozze di Figaro” in 1986. He sung this part two more times, in 1991 and 1992, in Michael Hampe production. The opera that was most performed by Ferruccio Furlanetto at Salzburg Summer Festival, was` “Don Giovanni” – he appeared in it at eigth festivals from 1987 to 2000 (in four of them - as Lepporello, in four others - as Don Giovanni). From 1999 the time has come for “Don Carlo”: he was king Philipp II at three festivals. All in all Ferruccio Furlanetto gave at Salzburg 96 performances.

This year when festival celebrates it’s 90th anniversary, Ferruccio Furlanetto will appear as Oroveso in Norma (role debut) at 9 and 14th and also sing “Songs and Dances of Death” by Mussorgsky in orchestra version accompanied by Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam under Mariss Janssons. This program will be performed first at Amsterdam (25.08) and then on tour at Salzburg festival and will also mark first collaboration between singer and conductor.

"Eugene Onegin" CD release

«Eugene Onegin» Salzburg 2007 performance - (Peter Mattei (Onegin), Anna Samuil (Tatyana), Joseph Kaiser (Lensky), Ekaterina Gubanova (Olga), Ferruccio Furlanetto (Gremin)Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor, Wiener Philharmoniker, Daniel Barenboim) - was released by Deutsche Grammophon on CD at August, 1 as part of huge 25 CD box set “50 YEARS: Grosses Festspielhaus Salzburg”. It is special limited edition. Catalog number on DG is 4779111. Tchaikovsky’s complete opera is on CD 10 and 11. Ferruccio Furlanetto sings Prince Gremin part. DVD of this performance was released before.

Full track list on DG site

"Simon Boccanegra" at Teatro Real, Madrid

“Simon Boccanegra” at 25.08.2010 at Teatro Real turn to be really big event with 24 min curtain call inside the theater and 15 min outside in the terrace where its lead stars - Placido Domingo, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Inva Mula (who sang at 25.08 instead of Georgiou) and Marcello Giordani - came out to greet 6000 audience who watched the performance at the big screen from Plaza de Oriente. After that all artists where greeted by Queen of Spain who attended “Simon Boccanegra”.

“Simon Boccanegra” in Teatro Real Madrid received high critical acclaim in Spanish and International press.

“Ferrucio Furlanetto gave a performance that could be described as superb. His rich, rolling bass voice filled the house and his acting, particularly in the reconciliation and death scenes, was a match for Domingo's own”. ConcertoNet.com

View photo gallery

Russian Recital on CD

The new release of CD with RACHMANINOV and MUSSORGSKY SONGS came out at July 23 2010. The new label PRESTIGE CLASSICS VIENNA presents this rare recording with Ferruccio Furlanetto, accompanied by the Ukrainian pianist Igor Tchetuev. The Ferruccio Furlanetto’s affinity to Russian song repertoire is well known, he performed his Russian recital on the most prestigious stages, recently at Mariinsky Concert Hall in St.Petersburg. But it came out on CD for the first time. During Salzburg festival at August 13th, 2010 2.00 – 3.00 p.m. a special event will be held: CD Signing Session at „Musikhaus Katholnigg“ including the CD presentation by Jurgen Flimm (Artistic director of the Salzburg Festival). The concert of the „Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam“ at August 27th, 2010 will be followed by a CD signing opportunity.

Live at Plaza de Oriente

The performance of Simon Boccanegra at 22.07.2010 at Teatro Real Madrid with splendid cast of Placido Domingo, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Angela Gheorghiu and Marcello Giordani ended up with big ovation and 16 min curtain calls.

The next performance on 25.07.2010 will be shown live at Plaza de Oriente, on a huge screen measuring almost 45 square metres. This initiative, which has been in place since 2001, is one of the Theatre’s most keenly awaited and widely followed activities. On this occasion the Madrid City Council will install 1,300 seats facing the main side of the coliseum, from which the public will be able to watch the performance in comfort as it takes place in the Teatro.

"Simon Boccanegra at BBC PROMs

The series of Simon Boccanegra at Covent Garden ended with highly successful semi-stage performance at Prom 3 at Royal Albert Hall. The performance was broadcast live by BBC3.

“Most moving of all was the reconciliation between Domingo’s dying Doge and his former enemy Fiesco, sung by that wonderful basso profondo Ferruccio Furlanetto. … A standing ovation at the end by the whole house marked a truly great Prom”. Clare Colvin EXPRESS 25.07.2010

Ioan Holender Gala

The Gala-concert celebrating the end of 19 year direction of Ioan Holender over the Vienna State Opera became a very special event. The 52 singers and 12 conductors who took part in the gala included Placido Domingo, Anna Netrebko, Simon Keenlyside, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Stefania Bonfadelli, Barbara Frittoli, Natalie Dessay, Michael Schade, Stephen Gould, Thomas Quasthoff, Ramon Vargas, Thomas Hampson, Diana Damrau, Waltraud Meier, Johan Botha, Piotr Beczala, Angela Denoke, Genia Kuhmeier, Adrianne Pieczonka, Krassimira Stoyanova, Simone Young, Bertrand de Billy, Franz Welser-Most, Fabio Luisi, Zubin Mehta and Antonio Pappano.

Ferruccio Furlanetto sung Philip 's aria in French from Don Carlos first version.

A DVD is scheduled to release by Deutsche Grammaphon in November, 2010

"Simon Boccanegra" at ROH

The highly successful ROH “Simon Boccanegra” will be shown live on big screens at 13.07 around UK. Also will be at the Proms on 18.07 with live broadcast at BBC Radio 3. Available on demand for 7 days.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2010/whatson/1807.shtml

Royal Opera House “Simon Boccanegra” opening night (29.06.2010) in reviews

Cover story in April-May Hungarian Opera Magazine

Cover story and interview in April-May issue of the Hungarian Opera Magazine was published in view of two "Don Carlos" performances (Philipp II) of May Opera festival at Budapest State Opera.

"Don Quichotte" at Mariinsky

The highlight of highly successful Ferruccio Furlanetto's Ferbruary tour to St. Petersburg was a concert performance of Massenet's "Don Quichotte". The interview for his favorite character and video from this performance have been presented by Mariinsky Media.

"Thanks to our Italian guest opera became a performance masterpiece. Ferruccio Furlanetto indeed proved that this part is his favorite one." St. Petersburg Vedomosti

International release by HARDY of "Don Carlo", 2008/2009 season opener at La Scala, have got favorable reviews in international press

"Certainly, Ferruccio Furlanetto's Filippo on its own would suffice to merit the release of the DVDs. He captures brilliantly both the tyrannical control and the heartbreaking disappointment of this monarch. Furlanetto's voice is an intrinsically emotional instrument in the hands of a master; Filippo's 'Ella giammai m'amo!' is nothing short of perfection, and elsewhere Furlanetto is riveting as well." Opera News

"Eugene Onegin" CD release

Full track list on DG site

“Simon Boccanegra” in Teatro Real Madrid received high critical acclaim in Spanish and International press.

View photo gallery

The new release of CD with RACHMANINOV and MUSSORGSKY SONGS came out at July 23 2010. The new label PRESTIGE CLASSICS VIENNA presents this rare recording with Ferruccio Furlanetto, accompanied by the Ukrainian pianist Igor Tchetuev. The Ferruccio Furlanetto’s affinity to Russian song repertoire is well known, he performed his Russian recital on the most prestigious stages, recently at Mariinsky Concert Hall in St.Petersburg. But it came out on CD for the first time. During Salzburg festival at August 13th, 2010 2.00 – 3.00 p.m. a special event will be held: CD Signing Session at „Musikhaus Katholnigg“ including the CD presentation by Jurgen Flimm (Artistic director of the Salzburg Festival). Also „Norma“ at August 9th and 14th, 2010 and The concert of the „Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam“ at August 27th, 2010 will be followed by a CD signing opportunity.

The series of Simon Boccanegra at Covent Garden ended with highly successful semi-stage performance at Prom 3 at Royal Albert Hall. The performance was broadcast live by BBC3.

Ferruccio Furlanetto sung Philip 's aria in French from Don Carlos first version.

A DVD is scheduled to release by Deutsche Grammaphon in November, 2010

http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2010/whatson/1807.shtml

Royal Opera House “Simon Boccanegra” opening night (29.06.2010) in reviews

Cover story in April-May Hungarian Opera Magazine

Cover story and interview in April-May issue of the Hungarian Opera Magazine was published in view of two "Don Carlos" performances (Philipp II) of May Opera festival at Budapest State Opera.

"Don Quichotte" at Mariinsky

"Thanks to our Italian guest opera became a performance masterpiece. Ferruccio Furlanetto indeed proved that this part is his favorite one." St. Petersburg Vedomosti

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Cover story in April-May Hungarian Opera Magazine

"Don Quichotte" at Mariinsky

International release by HARDY of "Don Carlo", 2008/2009 season opener at La Scala, have got favorable reviews in international press