Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Eye on the Cast: Jason Hardy

American bass Jason Hardy is well-known as an exceptional Figaro, so we're pretty excited that he'll be joining us here in Madison starting this weekend to rehearse for The Marriage of Figaro. He's recently performed Mozart's title role with Opera Birmingham, Opera Omaha, and Cleveland Opera, with the Cleveland Plain Dealer writing that Hardy "turns in a Figaro of charismatic allure, with an elegant bass." Jason also garnered critical acclaim for his portrayal of Leporello in Don Giovanni last season at the New York City Opera. Just listen to samples of his CD "Youth and Love" on iTunes, and you know this is a lustrous, rich voice, perfect for Figaro.

There's also the fact that Hardy earned official "barihunk" status after going shirtless in NYCO's Don Giovanni, with even the New York Times noting his "buff" physique. But ladies, we have to tell you, this Figaro is already on his way to getting married! Hardy made waves again when he proposed to fellow opera singer Carrie Kahl onstage during the curtain call of a performance of The Marriage of Figaro at Opera Birmingham. Here's the proof:



Don't miss Jason in The Marriage of Figaro, Nov. 5th and 7th in Overture Hall!

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