Posted9 Apr 2015

Philadelphia native Eric Owens discusses Don Carlo

Philadelphia native Eric Owens was a student at Central High School when he saw his first live opera with his hometown opera company at the Academy of Music. Nearly three decades later, he is an operatic superstar, hailed as “one of the greatest bass-baritones in the world” (Bloomberg News) and “an American marvel” (Chicago Sun-Times). In this video profile, the Temple University and Curtis Institute of Music graduate discusses coming home to tackle a big role he has never before attempted: the tyrannical and despondent King Philip II in Opera Philadelphia’s new production of Don Carlo, Verdi’s grand opera of passion and political intrigue.

Check back often in the coming weeks for more profiles of the stars of Don Carlo, including tenor Dimitri Pittas (Don Carlo), soprano Leah Crocetto (Elisabeth), mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung (Eboli), baritone Troy Cook (Rodrigo), and bass Morris Robinson (The Grand Inquisitor).