STEPHEN COSTELLO, tenor
The fast-rising young tenor Stephen Costello came to national attention in 2007 when, at age 26, he debuted at the Met’s season-opening night and was quickly invited to appear again that same season. In 2009, he won the prestigious Richard Tucker Award. He subsequently made his debuts at a number of the world’s most important opera houses and music festivals, including London’s Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the Deutsche Oper Berlin, the Salzburg Festival, and the Vienna State Opera. In 2010 he inaugurated the role of Greenhorn in the Dallas Opera’s acclaimed world-premiere production of Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s Moby Dick.
2011-12 season highlights:
- Costello makes his company role debut as Lord Percy in Donizetti’s Anna Bolena at New York’s Metropolitan Opera. Anna Netrebko sings the title role in this season-opening production by David McVicar, the first time this bel canto opera has been performed at The Met. The October 15 performance will be transmitted to movie theaters worldwide as part of the “Met: Live in HD” series.
- In January 2012 Costello makes his company role debut as Alfredo in La traviata at London’s Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
- In May 2012 Costello will portray Rodolfo, and Costello’s wife, soprano Ailyn Pérez, plays Mimì in Los Angeles Opera’s production of La bohème.
Biographical info:
- Born in Philadelphia on Sept 29, 1981
- Attended George Washington High School in Northeast Philadelphia and afterwards stayed in the city, where he attended the University of the Arts and the Academy of Vocal Arts.
- Met his wife, Chicago-born soprano Ailyn Perez, at the Academy of Vocal Arts, and they often perform together as the lead romantic couple. They currently reside in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Career highlights, awards, media recognition:
- Costello’s highly acclaimed Salzburg festival debut as Cassio in Verdi’s Otello was conducted by Riccardo Muti and broadcast to movie theaters. Critics noted his stand-out performance, which is now available on a Blu-ray DVD
- Invited to write an article for the front page of the San Diego Tribune arts section about his time in San Diego
- 2009: Winner of Richard Tucker Award
- 2006: First Prize in George London Foundation Singers Competition
- 2006: First Prize and Audience Prize in the Giargiari Competition
- 2006: First Prize in the Licia Albanese Puccini Foundation Competition
Critical acclaim:
“A prodigiously gifted singer whose voice makes an immediate impact.” – Associated Press
“A first-class talent … An intelligent, well trained singer whose enormous talent and natural musical instincts mark him for potential greatness.” – Opera News
“It’s hard to know which to admire more: Costello’s smart, heart-tugging comic turn—something between Charlie Chaplin and a young Steve Martin, or his superb singing.” – Detroit News
“The three principals nearly always eclipse Cassio, but Stephen Costello’s arresting singing made one take notice.” – Musical America
“What a beautiful, beautiful sound he makes…and he knows what to do with it.” – New York Sun
Stories and anecdotes:
- Costello’s father, the oldest of ten children, is an auto mechanic who is now a consultant to OnStar; his mother manages admissions for an assisted living facility; his younger brother is a fireman. His grandfather is in the boxing hall of fame, having created a facility (Jack Costello Boxing Gym) to help Philadelphia youths stay out of trouble.
- Was a trumpet player for 15 years, including all of high school. Discovered the joy of musical theater playing the role of Lieutenant Cable in a high school production of South Pacific; auditioned with musical theater songs for University of the Arts.
- Among his many musical heroes and inspirations are some of the great tenors of the past, especially Jussi Björling, Fritz Wunderlich and Franco Corelli, as well as Sicilian tenor Marcello Giordani, who has offered advice and encouragement.
- Bought his dog, Tequila, a papillon chihuahua, in 2006 in Mexico at the Mexican equivalent of Walmart. Loves good restaurants and local sports teams: sang National Anthem at Phillies game and attended first Eagles game last season. Played hockey for five years and loves kayaking. Loves cars (especially Nissan GT-R), watches, Dolce & Gabbana and Obey T-shirts.
Upcoming engagements:
Sep 26, 30, Oct 3, 6, 10, 15, 18, 21, 24, 28, Feb 1, 4
Donizetti’s Anna Bolena (Percy) at Metropolitan Opera, New York, NY
Oct 16
George London Foundation Benefit Concert, New York, NY
Nov 8, 11, 15, 18
Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore (Nemorino) at Vienna State Opera, Vienna, Austria
Jan 2, 6, 9, 17, 20
La Traviata (Alfredo) at the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, London
Feb 1, 4
Donizetti’s Anna Bolena (Percy) at Metropolitan Opera, New York, NY
Feb/March
Lucia di Lammermoor (Edgardo) at Teatro de la Maestranza, Seville, Spain
May 12, 20, 23, 26, 31, June 2
La Boheme (Rodolfo) at Los Angeles Opera, Los Angeles, CA
