Valenti to Return to the Met to Star in Puccini's "Madama Butterfly"

Online, March 16, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Internationally Acclaimed Tenor, James Valenti will be making his triumphant return to the Metropolitan Opera located at 10 Lincoln Center Plaza in New York City as he takes on the role of Lt. Pinkerton in Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" on April 4, 9, 12 and 15. Valenti has been praised by critics for having a voice of Italianate lustre and is part of the long-standing tradition of great Italian tenors. The sought after 6'5 tenor has built a global reputation for his elegant musicianship, commanding stage presence, ardent vocal style and striking good looks.

"I am really looking forward to returning to the Met. Since being born and raised in NJ, working so close to home means a great deal to my family and me. I've always had a close relationship with this opera house since winning the Met Opera National Council auditions in 2002 and my main stage debut in 2010. I'm thrilled to bring my signature role of Lt. Pinkerton to the Met," said Valenti.

The NJ native made his debut at the Met in 2010 where he starred as Alfredo in Zeffirelli's production of "La Traviata." His performance received rave reviews and The New York Times noted, "The young American tenor James Valenti had a solid success in his Met debut as Alfredo. He is tall (over 6 feet 5 inches), handsome and physically agile: qualities reflected in his virile and attractive singing."

MORE ABOUT VALENTI
At age 25, Valenti made his professional debut at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma where he played Rodolfo in the Franco Zeffirelli production of "La Boheme." Since his debut, he has scored one triumphal role after another and has had the opportunity to perform in many of the most celebrated citadels of Opera in the world including Teatro alla Scala Milan, Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House London, Opera National de Paris, Sydney Opera House, Bayerische Staatsoper, Munich, Salzburg Festival, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera and Opernhaus Zürich. He has showcased his vocal ability and acting versatility in a variety of roles such as Don Carlo in "Don Carlo," Alfredo Germont in "La Traviata," Duke of Mantua in "Rigoletto," Lt. Pinkerton in "Madama Butterfly," Maurizio in "Adriana Lecouvreur," Edgardo in "Lucia di Lammermoor," Werther in "Werther," Romeo in "Romeo et Juliette" and Doctor Faust in "Faust." Valenti has also had the pleasure of working alongside some of the greatest opera voices and maestros in the industry including Anna Netrebko, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Thomas Hampson, Simon Keenlyside, Bryn Terfel, Placido Domingo, Leo Nucci, Maestro Gustavo Dudamel, Maestro Antonio Pappano, Maestro Daniele Gatti and Maestro Carlo Rizzi to name a few. Valenti has recorded with fellow opera star, Angela Gheorghiu at Abbey Road Studios in London for her "Tribute to Maria Callas" CD on Virgin/EMI.

Valenti has received a number of accolades in his young career including the New York City Opera's Outstanding Debut Artist Award in 2008, the Maria Callas Debut Artist Award in 2009 and the Richard Tucker Award in 2010.

In July, Valenti took on the challenging title role in Verdi's "Don Carlos" at the Caramoor Festival which The New York Times noted his "dark-centered, expressive tenor." Recently, Valenti performed as a guest soloist during Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at New York City's St. Patrick's Cathedral. Currently, Valenti is expanding his musical repertoire and preparing for a number of exciting roles for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Most recently, he took on the role of Italian film star and sex symbol, Rudolph Valentino in the new biographical opera, "Dream of Valentino." He is also scheduled to perform as Cavaradossi in "Tosca" and Don Jose in "Carmen."

When Valenti is not performing, he gives his time to many organizations close to his heart such as Children International (of which he is currently a celebrity ambassador), UNICEF, Greenpeace, PBS and NPR. Also, Valenti always tries to make time in between his rigorous performance schedule to give back to young emerging artists. He has given master classes at University of Texas, University of Arizona, Northwestern and University of Minnesota. www.jamesvalenti.com

For more information and tickets: www.metoperafamily.org

Media Opportunities: MJ Pedone - Indra Public Relations - mj@indrapr.com (646) 593-7220

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