Jamie Barton Returns to ROH • June 2023
London, United Kingdom
Photo by Camilla Greenwell / Royal Opera House
American mezzo Jamie Barton commanded the stage in her house role debut as Azucena at the Royal Opera House in London. Jamie spoke candidly with ROH Magazine about the emotional depth she finds in her role in Il trovatore.
From The Artist: “There is zero doubt in my mind that Azucena has gone through hell and is living in a world of trauma. I choose to lose myself in that truth – both to honor this very human story and because, frankly, audiences can pick up on bullshit from a mile away.”
Photo by Camilla Greenwell / Royal Opera House
Critical Acclaim
“Jamie Barton provides dramatic spark as the haunted, raddled Azucena — she chomps into text and music alike with wonderful vibrancy.”
–The Times
“It is Barton’s Azucena who sweeps all before her, with a riveting stage presence and a voice that seems to hold limitless colours, at its most astonishing when spitting out the curses in her darkest register.”
–iNews
“A great role for American mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton and she sang the living crap out of it. Barton's mezzo has a juicy bite and a fierce chest register – her cry of “Parola orrenda” at the word “stake” was terrifying and is probably still reverberating around the auditorium right now.”
–Bachtrack
“Out in front was Barton’s Azucena, her obsession with avenging her mother’s cruel death clearly driving the action. Her mezzo scaled to both the role and the venue while showing commitment to each phrase. Every move and gesture felt complete.”
–Opera News
“Barton finds depth of expression in Azucena’s every line.”
–The Guardian
“Azucena is played brilliantly by Jamie Barton. Her shabby and dishevelled old woman is a storyteller and an actress – at times placid and gentle, at times enraged and violent. Vocally she excelled throughout and her ‘Strida la Vampa’ was impassioned, bitterly emotive and chilling.”
–London Unattached
“Barton’s a standout as Azucena, and her voice gathers weight and colour as the opera gets darker.”
–Evening Standard
“The most striking performance of all came from the American mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton who was sensational as Azucena, looking splendidly haggard in the role and displaying total mastery of everything Verdi threw at her, especially the exceptionally demanding low notes the part requires.”
–Daily Express
“Barton is an exceptional Azucena, her portrayal a thing of wonder that raises the emotional temperature with every appearance. In addition to her rich mezzo, supported by a wonderful lower register, she throws herself into the part body and soul.”
–Opera Today
“A singer of immense gifts, Barton’s Azucena was as vivid as one could have hoped.”
–Financial Times
“Barton was convincing, dramatic, and vocally strong. Her firm, chest voice produced deep emotional notes, and her interpretation was reminiscent of Verdi's idea of making Azucena the protagonist of the opera.”
–Opera Magazine Netherlands
“The night belonged to mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton. She is hugely impressive as the singular Azucena, unhinged by grief and guilt, yet making this role more musical than mad, which is not always the case. The audience is clearly ready for more.”
–Culture Whisper