Jamie Barton Is Stellar in HGO Götterdämmerung, World Still Goes Down in Flames

April 25, 2017

Photo by Lynn Lane

Mezzo Jamie Barton returns to Houston Grand Opera for Götterdämmerung, the thrilling conclusion of Wagner's Ring cycle. Appearing as both Waltraute and 2nd Norn, Barton joins an all-star cast featuring Christine Goerke as Brünnhilde, Simon O'Neill as Siegfriend, Meredith Arwady as 1st Norn, Heidi Melton as 3rd Norn, and Andrea Silvestrelli as Hagen. Conducted by Patrick Summers, the production is the final installment in an artistic marvel designed by La Fura dels Baus.

Performances run through May 7; tickets can be purchased via the HGO site.

Read reviews: 

"Mezzo Jamie Barton is already an international phenom with that dazzlingly creamy voice and commanding stage presence. As Waltraute, she shines most bright. Her account of father Wotan's fall into despair is an achingly beautiful mini-scene that displays her glorious voice to full effect. With power to spare, she soars over the lush orchestration...to penetrate the wrenching heart of her tale. It's a glorious performance from this gifted young artist."
Houston Press

"A fleet of extravagant women joins Goerke in this final installment, beginning with the three Norns—Meredith Arwady, Jamie Barton and Heidi Melton—who twist the strands of fate in the prelude with opulence and ease."
Houstonia

“Goerke and her Valkyrie sister Waltraute, sung by Jamie Barton, are two strong women, two strong dramatic singers, matching each other in anguish and intensity in a memorable scene.”
Arts+Culture Texas

“The central couple was surrounded by compelling portrayals. Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton, a powerful Fricka earlier in the Ring, made an equally formidable Waltraute. Not only did her voice well up commandingly when her monologue foreshadowed the final catastrophe, but she brought weight and intensity even to the quietest moments.”
Texas Classical Review