Jamie Barton Creates Lead Role in Intelligence • October 2023
Houston, Texas
Photo by Michael Bishop / Houston Grand Opera
Jamie Barton realized a long-held dream this fall, creating a role in the world premiere of Jake Heggie’s newest opera, Intelligence, at Houston Grand Opera. She spoke with regional and international media about this unusual work, which centers the stories of its three female leads, including her own role as a real-life spy for the Union.
From the Artist: “I’m tired of telling stories where the soprano must die, and the mezzo looks worried all night because she’s the third wheel in a love triangle that the dude in charge absolutely perpetuated. With Intelligence, I’m really excited about a piece where the women are the heroes.”
Opera Now: Risking Everything
Opera News: Strength, Power & Kindness
San Francisco Chronicle: An Adventurous Wave of Operas Is Addressing Race Head-on
Houston Matters: Celebrating two hidden figures of Civil War history
Houstonia Magazine: Intelligence Shows the Power of New Works
Houston Life: A Behind-the-scenes Look at Houston’s Next Big Show
San Francisco Chronicle: A Whirlwind Season of Performances
Critical Acclaim
Photo by Michael Bishop / Houston Grand Opera
“Jamie Barton captures the essence of Elizabeth Van Lew brilliantly. She is synonymous with excellence; is there any performance where she delivers less than her best? Her character was tailor-made for Barton’s prowess. She effortlessly transitioned from moments of unmatched humor to portraying a woman overcome with devastation by the opera’s end.”
–OperaWire
“As Elizabeth, Barton created yet another stage figure of imperious, conflicted power.”
–San Francisco Chronicle
“Barton makes the most of Elizabeth’s reputation as “the crazy lady up on the hill.” Wisecracks flow out of her like water, especially in Act 1. By Act 2, she, too, is in despair, grappling with her inability to undo the harm her dead father inflicted on the people he bought and sold.”
–Houston Chronicle
“Barton played Elizabeth with a self-assured sparkle in her eye, deploying her chest voice for comedic effect and letting her top register ring.”
–San Francisco Classical Voice
“Barton’s Elizabeth is a no-nonsense Southern grande dame, her finely finished mezzo dipping into gutsy chest voice at just the right moments. When she sings ‘Bless your heart’ you know exactly what she means.”
–Dallas Morning News
“As Elizabeth, Barton at times exulted in red-blooded, walloping tones that were electrifying. As the opera unfolded, in Act 1, she denounced the hatred and ignorance she saw around her, beginning with Barton almost unaccompanied, singing with hushed intensity. That made the music all the more arresting as her voice swelled into a flood.”
–Texas Classical Review