Jesús León / Κριτικές

Musically speaking, the cast, orchestra and chorus were on fire. Mexican tenor Jesús León was making his Bellas Artes and role debut as Hoffmann so the stakes were high. After a very solid career in Europe, León proved to be ready to perform the challenging role of Hoffmann. His voice is very lyrical, Italianate in color and projection, with squillo in his secure, blazing high notes. He was very convincing vocally in the lyrical parts of the score, such as the "Ballad of Kleinzach", his declaration of love for Olympia or the difficult “O Dieu de quelle ivresse” in Giulietta’s act. He is one of the few tenors that this critic has heard live that is heard with clarity during the trio of Dr. Miracle, Crespel and Hoffmann, giving a radiant high C at the end of it with no problem. His voice blended very well with his leading ladies (Vitelaru and Velasco) and made a credible portrayal of the tormented poet. A true triumph for León.

“it’s the moving evocations of intense love and sadness in Verdi’s music that make “La Traviata” a masterpiece, and those were beautifully conveyed on opening night by our lovers, American soprano Nicole Cabell and Mexican tenor Jesus Leon. . . While Violetta is usually the center of attention in this opera, Leon’s Alfredo was its charismatic catalyst. He consistently stole scenes, disarmingly open-hearted as he gave each line a wonderful mix of tenderness and effusive passion.” -Pioneer Press