"Certified Barihunk" Ryan Kuster takes on Don Giovanni

Opera Memphis' Facebook page and Ryan Kuster as Don Giovanni at Wolftrap

We love that Opera Memphis is referring to Ryan Kuster as a "certified Barihunk" on their Facebook page. Having seen the young American baritone in a number of roles, we can certainly verify the certification. 

Kuster, who has performed all three baritone roles in Mozart's Don Giovanni, is currently singing the title role at Opera Memphis in a production directed by Ned Canty.  He recently made his symphonic début with the Los Angeles Philharmonic singing the role of Masetto in their highly acclaimed production of the opera, directed by Christopher Alden.

Opera Memphis is presenting performances on October 9 and 11 at the Germantown Performing Arts. Tickets are available online. (Unfortunately, the website does not list the remainder of the cast).

We're also looking forward to the company's Midtown Opera Festival in April 2015. The 11-day opera festival will include Tim Cipullo's Glory Denied, Poulenc's Mamelles de Tirésias and Purcell's Dido and Aeneas.

After Don Giovanni, Kuster dons his matadors outfit for performances as Escamillo in Bizet's Carmen at Opera Grand Rapids and the Knoxville Opera.