Adam Plachetka as Figaro captivates audiences and critics at Palm Beach Opera
5.4.2025
Palm Beach Opera wraps season with a stylish and delightful “Figaro”
The Czech bass-baritone Adam Plachetka took to the role of the valet Figaro with gusto, his imposing physical presence and stage manner suggesting who really ran things in the Count’s castle. In “Se vuol ballare,” delivered as he polished the count’s shoes, his assertive, intense and agile voice effectively communicated his plans to take on his boss. Particularly well done was the aria “Non più andrai,” Figaro’s gleeful sendoff to the army of the page Cherubino. For this, he donned a white apron and drew out his old barber’s shears to administer a military haircut to the boy as he sang, putting an extra dose of venom into his words as he described the military life in store for the quivering Cherubino.
David Fleshler
Review: Palm Beach Opera closes season with delightful 'Marriage of Figaro'
Platchetka has an amazing voice, with rich overtones and a commanding stage presence, perfect for the role of Figaro. An interesting choice, though, to portray Figaro as aggressive in the first act, when he pulls Susanna off of their bed during an argument about the count’s intentions. He seemed overtly angry and grabbed her roughly, making some in the audience audibly gasp at the action. As the scene moved on, the level of continued aggressiveness served to paint him as a jealous lover, on par with the likes of the count.
Sarah Hutchings
6.4.2025
PB Opera tops itself with stellar ‘Figaro,’ jewel of the season
As Figaro, Adam Plachetka’s resonant baritone, perfect diction, and commanding stage presence provided for a perfect fit for the role.
https://palmbeachartspaper.com/pb-opera-tops-itself-with-stellar-figaro-jewel-of-the-season/
Photo: Bruce R. Bennett
Adam Plachetka to open the London Handel Festival
Renowned Czech bass-baritone Adam Plachetka is set to perform at the opening concert of the London Handel Festival, an annual musical celebration dedicated to the life and works of composer George Frideric Handel. Plachetka will take on the bass role in Handel's oratorio L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato (HWV 55).
The concert is scheduled for Friday, March 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM, at St George's, Hanover Square in London. This work, inspired by the poetry of John Milton, presents a unique fusion of light and darkness, innocence and experience, celebrating the beauties of nature and the mysteries of life. Joining Plachetka are sopranos Louise Alder and Paulina Francisco, and tenor Stuart Jackson. The performance will feature the acclaimed ensemble Arcangelo under the direction of Jonathan Cohen, who will be making his debut as the festival's Artistic Adviser.
The London Handel Festival holds a significant place in the UK's musical landscape, focusing on authentic performances of Handel's works and supporting emerging talent. With a longstanding tradition and collaborations with leading artists and ensembles, it stands as a key event for baroque music enthusiasts. The 2025 festival, themed "Fantasy, Myth & Legend," will offer five weeks of concerts and performances dedicated to Handel's compositions, running from March 7 to April 10, 2025, at various venues across London.
Adam Plachetka regularly appears on the world's leading opera stages. His participation in the opening concert of the 2025 London Handel Festival promises an exceptional musical experience for all baroque music lovers and underscores Plachetka's extensive interpretative range. A few days later, he will travel to the United States, where he will perform in two productions of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. Starting April 4, he will sing the role of Figaro at Palm Beach Opera in Florida, followed by a series of performances as Count Almaviva at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in May.
For more information about the festival, visit: https://www.london-handel-festival.com/
New Album "Operette Gala" by Adam Plachetka and Kateřina Kněžíková
Renowned Czech opera singers Kateřina Kněžíková and Adam Plachetka present their new album Operette Gala, just released under the Radioservis label. This unique recording offers listeners a selection of the most famous melodies from renowned operettas such as The Merry Widow, Giuditta, The Land of Smiles, A Night in Venice, Die Fledermaus, Viennese Blood, and more. All pieces are performed in German.
The album features the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Robert Jindra, ensuring a high level of musical accompaniment and an authentic sound.
Operette Gala is available for purchase through the Radioservis e-shop.
Both acclaimed artists will also perform the album’s program at several live concerts.
Intermusica (Rachel Walters)
Representation world-wide except for CZ and SK
rwalters@intermusica.co.uk
+44 7747487993
Camerata - Artists Management (Martina Straková)
Representation for Czech and Slovak Republic
production@camerata.cz
+420 776 356 689