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Fennell, Eric - Tenor

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Reviews

Werther: Braunschweig 2017
Der amerikanische Sänger Eric Fennell, ein vormals begeisterter Eishockey-Spieler, ist erst spat zur Oper gekommen, hat dann aber schnell Karriere gemacht, in New York ebenso wie an der Deutschen Oper Berlin. Ihm gelingt eine kraftvolle und doch auch äußerst sensible Interpretation, die oftmals emotionale Grenzbereiche berührt und so umso glaubhafter wirkt. Ein wenig mehr Fraglilität hätte der Figur gut getan.
–      Opernglas
 
Les Contes d’Hoffmann: Pforzheim 2014
Among the singers, Eric Fennell in the title role gave reason
for particular enthusiasm. This tenor, who can claim Hoffmann as his best role
to date, has made tremendous progress. As opposed to many other singers, who
have trouble with the long open vowels of the French language, he does not only
cope extremely well with the requirements of French diction, but the language
has a downright positive impact on his voice, which sounded particularly
full-bodied on opening night. Fennell sang powerfully, with great
differentiation and emotional involvement throughout. The acclaim that he
garnered at the end of the performance was fully justified.
–      Ludwig Steinbach, Der Opern Freund
 
Eric Fennell proved himself an excellent tenor in this role. He knows how to do justice to all its vocal nuances in a riveting way. He moves with ease from the narrative and detached to the passionate, intimate and heartfelt.
–      Pforzheimer Zeitung
 
Eric Fennell sings Hoffmann with an even, supple tenor who loses nothing at all of its quality and substance even in the challenging passaggio writing that prevails in this role.
–      Badische Neueste Nachrichten
 
Madama Butterfly: Lake George Opera 2009
Pinkerton (Eric Fennell) not only succeeded brilliantly as the well meaning but thoughtless American, but actually looked every inch the handsome young Navy officer that stole Cio Cio San's heart.  It didn't take any effort to believe that this was a couple that belonged together forever. Their voices matched as well. His tenor could only be described as full, with a richness that was a joy to behold.
–      Larry Murray – BerkshireFineArts.com
 
December 2005
One of the most difficult challenges for tenors is to resist the temptation to sing French roles with heart-felt Italian passion, instead of the sublime sensuality more suited to the French vocal line. But last summer, I was lucky enough to hear Eric Fennell, a young American singer, essay Roméo from Gounod's Roméo et Juliette at Opera North (USA). His golden voice possessed the ideal tonal quality for the French repertory. Recently he was Gerald in Lakmé and Eneas in Esclarmonde. A Don José is in preparation with the Arizona Opera. But his repertory isn't limited to French roles, as he channels his unique sound into unbridled passion for Italian characters, with an upcoming Pinkerton at the Austin Lyric Opera. His dynamic range, broad palette, intelligent interpretation, and musical acumen, combined with a secure high register, make him a tenor to be reckoned with.
–      Karyl Charma Lynn, Opera Now
 
La Bohème:Lake George Opera
Eric Fennell's lyric tenor is freely produced, and he creates an endearing Rodolfo. The voice has genuine 'ping' and a high 'C' to die for, but he never stoops to tenorial strutting.
–      Doug de Lisle, The Troy Record
 
Tenor Eric Fennell as Rodolfo impressed immediately with [his] ringing tones, smooth delivery and easy chemistry... Fennell projected well-finished and musical phrases and soared with strong top notes.
–      Geraldine Freedman, The Daily Gazette
 
Fennell's lusciously sweet voice, with its ringing, perfectly-tuned high notes, made him the ideal Rodolfo.
–      Karyl Charma Lynn, Opera Now
 
Lakmé: Sarasota Opera
With the resplendent vocalism of Eric Fennell one felt that Gérald might be forgiven for the error of his ways. His pure silvery voice has just the right kind of sound for this French repertory. With so many light tenors sounding strangulated as they reach their upper limits, it was refreshing to sit back and enjoy some fine vocal production."
–      American Record Guide
 
The tenor, Eric Fennell (Gérald) was another of this evening's surprises. He sang with more flexibility and projection than other tenors in this role. He had an absolute freshness to his phrasing. His aria, 'Fantaisie aux divins mensonges,' was rewarded with a strong ovation. Tall and good looking, he is an artist whose development should be followed closely." (translated from Spanish)
–      Opera Actual, Barcelona
 
Another delight of the evening was the tenor, Eric Fennell, in the role of Gérald. He has such a unique melancholy timbre that every tenor who sings this role fails to accomplish. Rather, he has a fresh light color that is used with a gentle singing line in a delicate style. He has no difficulty with the high register, which demonstrates in his elegant aria: 'Fantaisie aux divins mensonges.'" (translated from Italian)
–      L'Opera, Italy
 
Romeo et Juliett: Opera North
The tall, secure-voiced Fennell had done his homework linguistically and made an impression with a wide dynamic palette, from well-sustained pianos to a ringing high C in 'O jour de deuil.' Fennell shows much promise for Werther and (eventually) the Berlioz heroes.
–      Opera News
 
Eric Fennell was the embodiment of Romeo, displaying an achingly beautiful voice, which overflowed with rapture and sensuousness.
–      Opera Now
 
Tenor Eric Fennell delivered his Romeo with gusto, passion and a marvelous lyric tenor voice that accomplished something I have never seen—applause from the conductor after one particularly challenging and emotionally moving aria. Fennell's voice was smooth and... he presented a convincing and commanding presence when on stage.
–      Opera Online
 
Rigoletto:Chattanooga Opera
Then there's the testosterone-crazed Duke, played by Eric Fennell who looks like an Italian Stallion before they even put the make-up on. You won't have to use any imagination to believe that this tall, dark, and handsome leading man could wow any lady he chose. And if you get tired of looking at him, you might listen to his ringing tenor voice and revel in the glorious gusto he brings to the role.
–      Mel R. Wilhoit, Chattanooga Free Press
 
Lucia di Lammermoor: Des Moines Metro Opera
...tenor, Eric Fennell makes for a strong and noteworthy Edgardo, Lucia's equally ill-fated suitor. Singing with a lyrical, golden sheen, he too conquers Donizetti's complexities with such ease that they become the psychological signposts they were intended to be, not mere virtuosic display.      
–      The Des Moines Register
 
Die Zauberflöte: Des Moines Metro Opera
Eric Fennell was quite a good Tamino, providing the required balance of lyricism and ring...
–      Mark Thomas Ketterson, Opera News
 
Carmen: Arizona Opera
Eric Fennell [as] Don José.was able to make his desire for Carmen believable, and his voice carried the tenderness, longing and blind rage that (Carmen) inspired.