Pollione in NORMA

Lyric Opera of Chicago

"Tenor Russell Thomas made an impressive Lyric debut, singing Pollione with ardent fervor and a powerful sound... Thomas' best moments were in the final act, when he softened and made clear his love for Norma."
–Henson Keys, Parterre Box

“Tenor Russell Thomas scored a notable Lyric debut with a stentorian, hulking Pollione who rang brightly above the ensembles yet displayed a reasonable fluency in 'In mia man.'”
–Mark Thomas Ketterson, Opera News

“The trio with Pollione, sung by tenor Russell Thomas, gave each singer the opportunity to respond to the dramatic situation with appropriate passion…he was impressive in the penultimate scene with Norma, as Bellini’s scoring gave the duet “Già mi pasco ne’ tuoi sguardi” suitable impact.”
–James L. Zychowicz, Seen and Heard International

"The vocally assertive Thomas, at first all spinto bravado, revealed new complexity as Pollione was forced to go on the defensive."
–Nancy Malitz, Chicago on the Aisle

"Nor did Lyric skimp in its casting... [Radvanovsky and Deshong] were strongly matched by Thomas' ardent proconsul. The American dramatic tenor mustered the requisite clarion declarations, and he sent frissons of excitement through the theater when he simply stood back and let his firm, hefty voice rip... He softened and colored the sound most becomingly for the duet in which Pollione implored Adalgisa to run away to Rome with him."
–John von Rhein, Chicago Tribune

"Thomas uses his strong, dependable tenor to suggest just the right sense of entitlement in his relationships with both women."
–Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times