Alex Esposito to make role debut as Méphistophélès

Alex Esposito

Italian Bass-barihunk Alex Esposito will be making his role debut as Méphistophélès in Hector Berlioz's The Damnation of Faust at the Rome Opera. He'll be joined by soprano Veronica Simeoni as Marguerite, tenor Pavel Černoch as Faust and bass Goran Jurić as Brander.

Berlioz, who was inspired to compose the piece after reading Goethe's dramatic poem Faust, referred to the piece as a "légende dramatique" (dramatic legend), rather than an opera. The piece is often performed in symphony halls rather than opera houses, due to its structure as a hybrid between an opera and a cantata.

In addition to Méphistophélès' serenade "Devant la maison," "Une puce gentile" and "Voici des roses," the piece is known for Marguerite's dramatic aria "D'amour l'ardente flamme" and Faust's rapturous "Nature immense."

Performances run from December 12-23 and tickets are available online. 

Barihunks Photo book

Our 2018 Barihunks Calendar, which includes 20 of opera's sexiest men is now available for purchase HERE. In response to reader demand, we've also added a Barihunks Photo Book this year, which includes additional photos that don't appear in the calendar. You can purchase that HERE. The New Year is approaching faster than you think!

Watch Ildar Abdrazakov online in the Verdi Requiem

Ildar Abdrazakov

The Verdi centenary continues online with video from the October 10th performance of his Requiem with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Riccardo Muti. One of the featured singers in barihunk Ildar Abdrazakov, who is joined by mezzo-soprano Daniela Barcellona, soprano Tatiana Serjan and tenor Mario Zeffiri.

The broadcast is also hosted by Samuel Ramey, who many consider the orginal barihunk. He still looks great at 71. Click HERE to watch it in its entirety.

You can see Abdrazakov with the London Symphony Orchestra as part of Valery Gergiev's tribute to Hector Berlioz. Abdrazakov will be singing in The Damnation of Faust on November 3 and 7, and in Romeo and Juliet on November 6 and 13. Click HERE for additional information or tickets.

U.S. audiences can next catch him from February 6-March 8 at the Metropolitan Opera in Borodin's Prince Igor.

Who gets the money for the Charity Calendar? 

This year we're looking for originality on Facebook and Twitter. We'll consider any idea that involves young artists, not just young artist programs...video projects...recital ideas...you name it.

Most LIKES on Facebook and most retweets on Twitter will increase your odds of winning.  (Use #Barihunks2014). Post your comments to our Facebook feed with who you should think is deserving of the a charitable contribution and why.