A Steamy and Entertaining Carmen Takes the Stage With Houston Grand Opera

Houston Press:

Bass-baritone Pursell, another young artist on the rise, impressively sings Escamillo as if born in a bullring. His French diction is impeccable and he swirls his overcoat like a matador. But it's his cavernous baritone that wins Carmen's heart. It wins ours, too. D. L. GROOVER

Cincinnati Opera opens season like never before at Blue Ash Summit Park

Cincinnati Enquirer:

But most memorable are Janai Brugger as Micaëla, a kind and virtuous hometown woman who longs to marry Don José, and Christian Pursell as the toreador Escamillo. I don’t know if Pursell intended his character to be a mix of bravado and comic swagger, but from the moment he lumbers onto the stage with his white fedora and salmon-colored linen suit, you just know that this is the guy your mother told you to avoid at all costs. DAVID LYMAN

Superb cast soars in tuneful ‘Carmen’ as Cincinnati Opera goes outdoors due to pandemic

Cincinnati Business Courier:

Christian Pursell, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, shone as the bullfighter Escamillo. He made his entrance in a dapper salmon-colored suit, tossing flowers and wielding a spectacular bass-baritone in the Toreador Song. JANELLE GELFAND

Cincinnati Opera's 'Carmen' Fierce and Terrific at Summit Park

CityBeat Cincinnati:

Baritone Christian Pursell is another near scene-stealer. Bursting onto the stage in a salmon-colored suit and white fedora, he sings the bullfighter Escamillo’s aria with arrogant swagger and a clear, clarion tone. ANNE ARENSTEIN

PBO’s Saul Is a Perfect Fit for Nicholas McGegan

San Francisco Classical Voice

There are so many touches to savor, both in the instrumental accents and the phrasing of McGegan’s fine crop of soloists. … Bass-baritone Christian Pursell is excellent playing both the prophet Samuel and Doeg. JASON VICTOR SERINUS

Lyric Opera of Kansas City Has Announced 2020-2021 Season

BROADWAY WORLD

Lyric Opera of Kansas City General Director and CEO Deborah Sandler today announced the company's 2020-2021 season. It features four mainstage productions, including The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess and The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, both of which are being performed on a Lyric Opera of Kansas City stage for the first time. Two all-time favorites known for incomparable melodies - Verdi's beloved La traviata and Bizet's passionate Carmen - round out the extraordinarily diverse season. […]

CARMEN
Cast and Artistic Team

Carmen: Ginger Costa-Jackson *
Don Jose: Eric Fennell *
Escamillo: Christian Pursell *
Micaela: Celine Byrne *
Conductor: Emmanuel Plasson*
Director : Kathleen Belcher

* Lyric Opera of Kansas City debut

Houston Grand Opera's 2020-21 Season To Feature Opera Favorites And Company Premieres

BROADWAY WORLD

Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2020-21 season, featuring a repertoire of beloved classics, company premieres, and a much-anticipated world premiere. The 66th season opens with audience favorite Carmen. American mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard makes her HGO and role debut as Carmen in the revival of Rob Ashford's acclaimed 2014 production of Bizet's classic. She is joined by tenor Andrea Caré as Don José, bass-baritone Christian Pursell as Escamillo, and Anita Hartig as Micaela, all making their HGO debuts. The production will be conducted by HGO Principal Guest Conductor Eun Sun Kim.