Thomas Hampson is garnering spectacular reviews for his portrayal of Count Anckarström in Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera at San Francisco Opera. This is Hampson’s second Verdi role at SFO, following a star turn in title role of Macbeth in 2007. See what critics have to say about this not-to-be-missed performance:

“ . . . baritone Thomas Hampson’s portrayal of Anckarström emerged as the strongest character. The intensity of his voice depicted a man who clearly enjoyed his position of power.”
Stephen Smoliar – Examiner.com

“Thomas Hampson’s Renato was a standout as Amelia’s husband and the best friend of Riccardo (at least until he shoots the king dead in the last act). Placed high in the baritone register, the role is happy hunting ground for Hampson, who, at age 59 shows no sign of vocal wear and tear; if anything his instrument has only grown in power . . . Hampson’s performance was charismatic and commanding. His Renato’s sea change in affections between the Act 1 “Alla vita che t’arride” (warning the king of conspiracy) and in the Act 3 “Eri tu che macchiavi quell’anima” (It was you, king, who stained this soul) projected convincing anger.”
Rodney Punt – San Francisco Classical Voice

“Hampson, with a career that started in the Merola Program in 1980 and has since been acknowledged around the globe, was as strong and sonorous as ever, giving his best to the role of the loyal friend who turns murderous when suspecting his wife’s betrayal.”
Janos Gereben – San Francisco Examiner

“As Anckarström, baritone Thomas Hampson sang with urgency, elegance and his distinctively burnished sound; his “Eri tu,” promising revenge against Gustavus, was commanding.”
Georgia Rowe – San Jose Mercury News

“The king’s trusted adviser Count Anckarström (a diplomatic Hampson, in soothingly restrained voice at first) was on hand to try to navigate it all and calm the waters. Hampson’s own still waters would soon be swept away in a magnificently played torrent of emotion.   His transition from becalmed counselor to betrayed husband and friend to anguished murderer was a musical and theatrical marvel, reason enough and then some to attend the production.  Performances as deeply felt and thoroughly convincing as this one don’t come along very often . . . Hampson’s quiet fury as a cuckolded husband was terrifying as he led his wife brusquely offstage.  The fury erupted in the third act, as he sentenced her to death, went lethally still as she plead her case and then set the murder plot in motion.

His transition from becalmed counselor to betrayed husband and friend to anguished murderer was a musical and theatrical marvel, reason enough and then some to attend the production.  Performances as deeply felt and thoroughly convincing as this one don’t come along very often.
The steel in Hampson’s voice was unbendable . . .”

Steven Winn – The Classical Review

“ . . . Thomas Hampson, in one of his too rare appearances at the San Francisco Opera . . . Hampson brought both the smooth legato expected of a Verdi baritone and the dramatic intensity required of Anckarström’s great aria Eri tu.”
Operawarhorses.com

“Thomas Hampson, looking fit and darkly handsome (the original barihunk, after all) was also in very good voice as the conflicted and complicated Count. Hampson has proven himself in Verdi repeatedly through the years, and his textured portrayal was perhaps the best of the evening. He got a standing ovation at the final curtain, and it was deserved.”
Bay Area Reporter