Opera Passport \\Brian Jagde\\

Opera Passport is an exclusive Q&A series by 360° of Opera that catches opera industry professionals in action, from all corners of the world.

Our first guest in the series is acclaimed American tenor Brian Jagde, who currently performs Cavaradossi in “The Drama of Tosca” at Opera Philadelphia. The production runs May 5-9, 2021 at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. The cast also includes soprano Ana Maria Martinez and baritone Quinn Kelsey.

Brian Jagde as Cavaradossi at San Francisco Opera. Photo Credit: Cory Weaver.

1\\ The role of Cavaradossi seems to hold a special place for you, could you explain why and who you have named after him?

Cavaradossi has been a constant in my repertoire, from very early on after I switched from baritone to tenor. I was always drawn to Puccini, and Cavaradossi is such a great role, full of beautiful music. He is also a character I admire. As performers, we don’t always get to sing roles like that. 

I actually named my little boy - dog! - Cavaradossi, AKA Cav. He is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix. I had just finished a run of Toscas at Santa Fe Opera in 2012 that I had planned on only covering, however, I was asked to sing all twelve shows. This provided me with more income than I had planned, and the first decision I made was to get my Cav. He has been by my side ever since, and has seen more countries than most people I know! 

Cav's first backstage photo at The San Francisco Opera during Tosca 2012.

2\\ What are your top 3 legendary inspirations for this role?

Coming up in the business, it was always difficult not to hear Pavarotti in this role. He was so popular, and he always sang it truly with his voice which I admire. As I’ve developed my palette a bit more I’ve come to realize there were tons of incredible interpretations. For two more selections, I would also choose Giuseppe Giacomini and Franco Corelli. Giacomini sang it with such a gorgeous legato and sound. Corelli not only brought a certain fire but showed some of his most amazing vocal skills singing this role. Most notably, the incredibly long phrases in “E lucevan le stelle” with masterful control of forte to piano diminuendos. 

Brian Jagde in “The Drama of Tosca”. Photo Credit: Dominic M. Mercier.

3\\ In your experience, what is the most challenging aspect of the role, and what is the most rewarding one?

I think the role is challenging in a few ways. For me, it’s trying to find different colors for each of these incredibly big moments. Also, there’s what I was just talking about in Corelli and Giacomini’s interpretations that I find so appealing - I want both! When I can accomplish the legato like Giacomini and dynamic control and excitement like Corelli, while also continuing to be my own singer with my own interpretation, those are always the most rewarding nights. 

4\\ What’s unique about this outdoor production entitled “The Drama of Tosca” ?

So much! The story is being retold out of order and with a narrator, and although we are singing on stage with an orchestra, we have microphones which is a different approach than our normal performance protocol when we're in an opera house. 

During these pandemic times it’s wonderful when you can see companies being creative, and finding ways to make it easy for the audiences to come and safely enjoy a performance. What Opera Philadelphia has done here is to condense the most memorable moments of Tosca and put them into a ninety minute version. The story isn’t just about Tosca here. There is a larger message. A message of, “We’re back, and art is life!”

Quinn Kelsey and Brian Jagde in “The Drama of Tosca”. Photo Credit: Dominic M. Mercier.

5\\ Favorite things to do in Philadelphia? Any favorite restaurants?

I wish I had more free time to explore! I’ve been here before as a tourist, and it’s been a fantastic experience to be back in this city. I did have delicious (outdoor!) meals at The Dandelion and Sampan, and I also like Reading Terminal Market. It’s close to where I’m staying, and the variety and atmosphere are great. I hope to have a little time to see a few sites before I leave to head back home to NYC.

Thank you Brian for your time and insights! We can’t wait to see the show at Opera Philadelphia on May 9th!

Join us there and/or follow along on Instagram that day, when we share our day in Philly with you all!