Ernani in ERNANI

Lyric Opera of Chicago

“Russell Thomas has become Lyric’s favored Verdi tenor in recent seasons. On opening night he brought his dark-hued vocal timbre and strenuous vocalism to the table, singing with power… Thomas’s performance grew in depth and nuance as the evening unfolded and he sang movingly in Ernani’s final moments.”
–Chicago Classical Review

“Thomas's Ernani was equally nuanced. His ample tenor was unforced and agile, full of youthful bloom. In Act I, declaring his love for Elvira, he sang with ringing ardor tinged by a dark edge. This was no strutting young swain. He was a man who had suffered, who fully recognized the difficulties ahead. In his love duets with Elvira, however, his melting, soft-edged phrases entwined with hers like a supple, spring-time vine.”
–Musical America

“Thomas, a heartfelt tenor, sings gloriously throughout, although it’s an internalized performance at times, coming from the core of the singer…”
–Chicago Tribune

“This physically quiet production regularly bursts into vocal fireworks at the hands of Russell Thomas (Ernani), who is singularly well-suited to this repertoire.”
–Newcity Stage

“Thomas possesses a good feel for Verdi’s style and delivered a solid take on this role.”
–Chicago Sun-Times

“There’s some fine singing of a difficult bel canto score, especially by tenor Russell Thomas as the title character…”
–Chicago Reader

The lyrical and heroic tenor… Russell Thomas delivers a strong tenor that captivates the woman he loves, as well as the Lyric audience.”
–Epoch Times

“Each of the four lead performers is strong in their own right. Thomas’s tenor floats beautifully above the darker, heartier tones of Kelsey’s baritone…”
–Third Coast Review

“This opera is brimming with music of great passion and bubbling cauldrons of emotion. Tenor Russell Thomas brings heroic sound to the title character, filling Ernani with a laser-powered focus on achieving revenge for his father’s murder. He has stellar high notes that seem to float into the upper reaches of the stage.”
–Hyde Park Herald

“Ernani is one of Verdi’s most exciting early bel canto bangers, and Lyric’s vocal team obliterated any concerns… Russell Thomas had one of his best outings in the title role, and easily reconfirmed his status as Lyric’s Verdi tenor of choice. Thomas delivered the role’s more extrovert writing with plenty of ringing, clarion tone and he found an impressive supply of subtle shadings in the romantic interludes that were quite beautiful.”
–Opera News