About

Eric Cutler, Tenor

Eric Cutler has won international acclaim in such theaters as the Metropolitan Opera, Bayerische Staatsoper, the Royal Opera House, Opéra national de Paris, Salzburg Festival, Teatro la Fenice, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Théâtre Royal de La Monnaie, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Canadian Opera Company, Houston Grand Opera, Opera Australia, Grand Théâtre de Genève, Glyndebourne Festival and Santa Fe Opera. Cutler began the current season with his first performances in the title role of Peter Grimes at the Theater an der Wien. He then appeared in the title role of Lohengrin at Staatsoper Hamburg and starred in a part of the new production at the Salzburg Easter Festival under Christian Thieleman. He will sing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the Houston Symphony later this season. In Summer of 2022, Cutler returns to the Bayreuth Festival as Erik.

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News & Press

‘Les Contes d’Hoffmann’ at Semperoper Dresden

This autumn, Eric Cutler takes on the title role of Les Contes d’Hoffmann at Semperoper Dresden. Renowned for his portrayal of Hoffmann, his interpretation of the enigmatic character has graced the stages of numerous prestigious opera houses worldwide. His exceptional audio-visual recording of the opera at Teatro Real, released on the Bel Air Classiques label,  garnered acclaim from Gramophone Magazine, which lauded him as “all vocal ease, elegance and passion.”

Johannes Erath’s production has received high praise for its strong emphasis on theatrical elements, featuring set designs by Heike Scheele and Norman Heinrich, costume designs by Gesine Völlm, lighting designs by Fabio Antoci, and video projections by Alexander Scherpink. In addition to Cutler, the incredible cast features Štěpánka Pučálková as Niklausse/The Muse, Kathryn Lewek as Olympia, Hrachuhí Bassénz as Antonia, Magdalena Anna Hofmann as Giulietta, Egils Silins as Lindorf/Coppélius/Dr Miracle/Dapertutto, Aaron Pegram as Andrès/Cochenille/Pitichinaccio/Frantz, Tilmann Rönnebeck as Luther, Ilya Silchuk as Hermann,  Simeon Esper as Nathanaël, Jürgen Müller as Spalanzani, Tilmann Rönnebeck as Crespel, Michal Doron as Antonia’s Mother, Ilya Silchuk as Schlémil, and Reinhold Schreyer-Morlock as Wilhelm. Frédéric Chaslin leads from the podium.

The performances are on October 31, November 4, 8, and 16.

‘Der fliegende Holländer’ at Bayerische Staatsoper

Commencing his 23/24 season, Eric Cutler returns to the role of Erik in Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer at the prestigious Bayerische Staatsoper. Cutler, who delivered a remarkable performance as Erik at The Metropolitan Opera last season, garnered high praise from Bachtrack:

“As Erik, the hunter who wants to marry Senta, Eric Cutler endowed the role with uncommon pathos, his vibrant, highly polished tenor displaying gorgeous tone and elegantly expressive phrasing. His third act cavatina “Willst jenes tag du nicht mehr entsinnen”, in which he recalls their past happiness together and seeks assurance of her love, was heartbreaking”

This provocative production by Peter Konwitschny will also star Iain Paterson as the Dutchman, Ain Anger as Daland, Jennifer Holloway as Senta, Victoria Karkacheva as Mary, and Tansel Akzeybek as the Steersman. Lothar Koenigs leads from the podium.

Performances are scheduled for October 13, 16, 19, and 22.

Reviews for ‘Der Fliegende Holländer’ at The Metropolitan Opera

“The clear thrust of Eric Cutler’s tenor gave the role of Erik, Senta’s abandoned lover, unusual poignancy.”

The New York Times

“Not to be overlooked was tenor Eric Cutler (in his first Met performance since 2013) as Erik, matching his cohorts vocally with truly elegant singing. Of the main characters, Erik gets two solo passages including “Mein Herz, voll Treue bis zum Sterben,” and “Willst jenes Tags du nicht dich mehr entsinnen.” Both are passionate appeals to Senta and Cutler delivered both with vocal intensity, albeit different in character. “Mein Herz” was forceful and imposing, his sound fresh and booming in this early aria. But he also managed sweet diminuendo on the F# fermatas, even adding in a gentle portamento down to the slurred D natural in the phrase that silkily launched the ensuing piano passage.”

Operawire

“Tenor Erik Cutler showed a lovely, high tone and graceful, expressive phrasing as Erik, the sailor who promises himself to Senta.”

New York Classical Review

“Vocally, the evening belonged to Eric Cutler, returning to the Met after a ten-year absence, during which the American tenor has retooled as a heldentenor. Cutler retains the flexibility and legato that served him well for years as a bel canto specialist, and his voice has gained in volume and dark coloring. He brought these qualities to the role of Erik, who finds himself abandoned by his betrothed Senta in her quest to save the Dutchman’s soul. A committed actor, he communicated an aching tenderness in his last-act aria imploring Senta to resume their relationship.”

Parterre

“This year, the finest overall singing again came from the Erik: Iowan tenor Eric Cutler, who in the decade since last at the Met has built up his light instrument into a reportedly excellent Lohengrin and Ariadne Bacchus. He sang Erik with rare command and security and acted with commitment…”

Wagner Notes

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