News

Russell has been nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award in the category of Outstanding performance for his work in the Canadian Opera Company's production of Pelléas and Mélisande. The DORA Awards take place Monday June 30 at 8pm. Check back for news!

"A stunning performance by Canadian baritone Russell Braun in the role of Pelléas."

"Canadian baritone Russell Braun was the ideal Pelléas, utterly believable as the younger brother of Golaud, the conflicted prince of the strange and famished kingdom of Allemonde. Braun is lithe and modest and ingenuously exuberant in his physical assumption of the role and, astonishingly, able to manage the high, almost tenor-like tessitura of Pelléas's music with a passionate elegance and finesse quite unforgettable. This, one felt, was a Pelléas much as Debussy imagined him." (Globe and Mail, 8 May 2008)

"Only Braun filled his character (who falls in love with the mysterious princess Mélisande who his brother found in the woods) with real flesh and blood - all the while giving us a series of unblemished French musical arcs." (Toronto Star, 7 May 2008)

Concerts on Demand: Russell Braun and Michael Schade

Listen to Russell and Michael's performance at Roy Thompson Hall on March 28

Carrying On a Family Tradition: Russell Braun makes a superb debut as Wolfram in San Diego Opera's Tannhäuser

"Baritone Russell Braun was a fantastic head-turner in his role debut as Wolfram von Eschenbach. Portraying both friend to Tannhäuser and ardent yet unrequited lover of Elisabeth, Braun conveyed understated sensitivity while maintaining robust singing. Eschenbach never outright sings that he loves Elisabeth but it was obvious with Braun's emotive singing, demeanor and the accompaniment of the music." (Voice of San Diego, 1 February 2008)

"Russell Braun returned to San Diego to sing Wolfram for the very first time, of particular interest, as his father Victor Braun is well known as Wolfram on the famous recording conducted by Sir George Solti. He did the role and his father justice, singing well and giving Wolfram a distinctive, dramatic edge." (Classical Voice, 30 January 2008)

"Canadian baritone Russell Braun does not disappoint. Braun's famous German father, Victor, was a great Wolfram, and Braun makes his debut in the role in San Diego. His tone is warm and his vocal control is superb, particularly in the meltingly beautiful "O du mein holder Abendsterm" ("Song of the Evening Star")." (North County Times, 31 January 2008)

"Baritone Russell Braun was appealingly refined in his role debut as the good-hearted Wolfram." (San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 January 2008)

Das Lied von der Erde nominated for a 2008 GRAMMY

Russell Braun's recording of Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde with the Smithsonian Chamber Players under Kenneth Slowik (Dorian Recordings/ Sono Luminus) has received a 2008 GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Small Ensemble Performance. The GRAMMY Awards will be handed out on February 10, 2008. Check back then for news!

Two Brauns on CBC Radio

Saturday, October 13 at 5:00 pm on CBC Radio 2: Catherine Belyea interviews Russell Braun with his sister, jazz singer Adi.

HOUSE OF COMPASSION BENEFIT CONCERT - October 25th

Join baritone Russell Braun, pianist Carolyn Maule and the Yorkminster Park Choir under the direction of William Maddox in raising funds for the HOUSE OF COMPASSION of Toronto.

The HOC of Toronto is a registered charity providing high level, long term, supportive housing in the downtown community for 21 residents coping with mental illness. Founded by members of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, HOC residents are supported in a home-like environment by staff present in shifts, 24/7.

October 25, 7:30pm at Yorkminster Park Church
(1585 Yonge St. at Heath St. East).

For tickets and more info. visit www.hoctoronto.com

Opera Under the Stars to be Broadcast on Bravo!
Saturday, October 06 @ 9et/6pt

Russell joined good friend and fellow opera star Isabel Bayrakdarian, along with eight of opera's rising stars and Richard Bradshaw conducting the Canadian Opera Company in this outdoor opera concert event. This concert was presented by the National Capital Commission in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the selection of Ottawa as the capital of Canada.on the banks of the Rideau river this summer.

As the philandering Count in the COC's Le Nozze di Fiagro

"Braun, the stage veteran of this cast, offered up a fine voice and an assured dramatic air as the philandering Count." (Toronto Star, 3 October 2007)

"Baritone Russell Braun (Count Almaviva) was almost the only one to find a sustained character arc, culminating in an Act 3 soliloquy in which the outwardly self-assured aristocrat revealed the lonely little man hiding inside." (Globe and Mail, 4 October 2007)

"This is a production that...affords Toronto audiences a night with an established national treasure such as baritone Russell Braun... Braun, for his part, has all the makings of a wonderful Count Almaviva, the amoral villain of the piece, save for the fact that he simply can't disguise the fact he's a whole lot smarter than the conceited popinjay he's forced to play." (Toronto Sun, 4 October 2007)

"Braun tends to dominate the action not just because of his strong baritone but because his Count is more than a simple tyrant or buffoon. He shows us a man who learns through experience that the world no longer runs the way he thinks it does." (Eye Weekly, 3 October 2007)

Humorous and witty at the Elora Festival

"Braun then returned for seven short songs. His humorous and witty performance of Benjamin Britten's The Foggy, Foggy Dew proved to be the crowd favourite of the night, invoking delightful laughter with his well-timed execution of the line 'foggy, foggy dew.' When Braun performs, he puts full effort into every note and phrase. As a result, his music is incredibly expressive and there was never a dull moment in his engaging performance." (The Record, 7 August, 2007)

LUNA, Luminato Festival's Opera Gala

Russell joined a host of Canadian singing stars on the stage of Roy Thomson Hall on Friday, June 8 for LUNA, Luminato Festival’s opera gala.

It will be rebroadcast on September 1st on Saturday Afternoon at the Opera and CBC Records will release a CD of highlights later this fall.

Mozart Arie & Duetti CD wins 2007 JUNO

Russell's recording of Mozart arias and duets with fellow Canadian superstars Michael Schade and Isabel Bayrakdarian won the 2007 JUNO in the category of Classical Album Of The Year: Vocal or Choral Performance.

Russell Braun to make a last minute debut with the Bayerische Staatsoper as Billy Budd

Russell Braun will step into one of his most acclaimed roles, Billy Budd, to debut at the Bavarian State Opera in performances running February 23, 26 and March 1. He will be replacing Christopher Maltman, originally slated to appear in the role.

Hailed as "a transcendent Billy" by Opera News, Russell's debut in the role with the Canadian Opera Company was unanimously praised by the press and the public -

"As Billy, Russell Braun seemed to embody goodness rather than enact it; his warm, lyrical tone made him a transcendent Billy." (Opera News)

"Russell Braun's magnificent opening night performance was the Canadian baritone's debut as Billy, but he already owns the role. His innocent goodness, youthful high spirits and kindness emanated not only from his singing but from his whole being" (National Post)

For information on tickets: Bayerische Staatsoper Ticket Office Online

Mozart Arie e duetti CD Nominated for a 2007 JUNO

Russell's recording of Mozart arias and duets with fellow Canadian superstars Michael Schade and Isabel Bayrakdarian received a 2007 JUNO nomination in the category of Classical Album Of The Year: Vocal or Choral Performance. The JUNO Awards will be handed out on March 31 and April 1, 2007. Check back then for news!

Russell was recently in New York as Silvio I Pagliacci at the Metropolitan Opera
Check out Russell in Time Out New York

Russell Braun's Winterreise Taking the world by Storm!

In addition to receiving rave review after rave review, this outstanding recording has been selected among the best 10 recordings of 2005 by New York Newsday, Montreal Gazette and Ottawa Citizen and nominated for a 2006 JUNO Award! Click here for more glowing press excerpts

Burnt Toast Now On Sale!

If you missed your chance to hear Russell perform the Queen of the Night's aria "Der Holle Rache" from the Magic Flute (in falsetto!) when this extraordinary piece of cinema appeared on TV, catch him on DVD now.

Russell provides the vocal exclamation for comedian Colin Mochrie in Alexina Louie's deliciously comic opera vignette, The Argument. This short film is part of an 8-vignette series directed by Larry Weinstein called Burnt Toast that was presented at the Toronto and Calgary film festivals.

See www.marblemedia.com for more information on Burnt Toast

Purchase the DVD of Burnt Toast at the CBC Shop

Mozart Arie & Duetti now available featuring an all-star trio of Russell Braun, Isabel Bayrakdarian and Michael Schade

This stellar recording has been flying off the shelves since it was released.

"Whether as Papageno, Don Giovanni, Guglielmo, or the Count, Braun combines a virile sound with keen dramatic sense." (La Scena Musicale, February 2006)

"Baritone Russell Braun is very good, with a pleasing, well-rounded tone and excellent presence and technique" (ClassicsToday, February 2006)

"He sings roles varying from Papageno's boyish naivete, to Don Giovanni's bold and fiery invitation to share his champagne, and his guileful seductiveness in luring poor little Zerlina to his bed. Then, as the Count in Le Nozze de Figaro, Braun shows the frustrated anger of the lecher, and then as Figaro, in Non Piu Andrai. Such versatility! Such conviction!" (Halifax Chronicle-Herald, 11 February 2006)

To purchase the CD, visit the CBC Shop

Other Recent Press Quotes

Il barbiere di Siviglia

"Russell Braun swaggered with robust savoir-faire, vocal as well as dramatic" (Opera, July 2007)

"For seven years, Russell Braun has been a frequent Figaro here, but in this latest foray he offered something more - the manner more commanding, the handsome, burry voice more fully rounded, the handsome face and figure more pliantly expressive. Vocally and artistically, he seems to have reached an enviable point of equilibrium. Sexy and smart and fully his colleagues' peer in either high notes or low comedy, this Figaro let no one forget which role gives Rossini's opera its title; and when he stepped onto the passerelle for his curtain call, the audience's ovation loudly proclaimed him a barbier di qualità" (Opera Canada, Summer 2007)

'Commanding title role' in Elijah

"His all Canadian-connected soloists were led by baritone Russell Braun's embodiment of the prophet, at once virile and heart-rending, no more so than in the air "Lord God of Abraham." (Chicago Sun-Times, 18 June 2007)

"Baritone Russell Braun was unflappable in the din, and the cellos accompanied his supplications sweetly." (Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2007)

'Homegrown stars shine" at LUNA Opera Gala

"Braun, who let it be known he had a cold, gave an intriguingly intimate account of an aria from Wagner's Tannhauser (O du mein holder Abendstern), as if it were part of a lieder recital." (Globe and Mail, 11 June 2007)

Russell appears for the first time at the new Four Season Performing Arts Centre in Toronto - as Guglielmo in the COC's Cosi fan tutte

"Russell Braun’s sturdy baritone and surefire comic timing made his Guglielmo a pleasure.” (Opera, February 2007)

"Russell Braun is virtually ideal Guglielmo." (Opera Canada, November/December 2006)

"Russell Braun (Guglielmo) sang with a fine sense of style and balance all evening." (Globe and Mail, 19 October 2006)

"Baritone Russell Braun's dramatic skills shone nicely." (Toronto Star, 18 October 2006)

"There was a particularly strong on-stage chemistry between the Guglielmo (Russell Braun) and the Dorabella (Krisztina Szabo). Braun's baritone is robust and steady, and in his performances, there is always a probity that is attractive. Szabo sang Dorabella with finesse and subtlety." (National Post, 19 October 2006)

"Guglielmo was Russell Braun's second major role with the COC back in 1992; he made a wonderful impression then and remains ideal in the part today." (ConcertoNet, 2 November 2006)

Russell Braun Makes a "Sterling" Covent Garden Debut

"[Russell Braun] filled the rolling phrases of "Avant de quitter ces lieux" with restrained longing, and showed off a gorgeously rounded sound and luxurious evenness of tone from top to bottom. "Écoute moi bien, Marguérite" was equally good: powerful and bitter without being exaggerated or coarse, and acted with affecting intensity." (Opera Canada, November/December 2006)

"A tremendous debut from Canadian baritone Russell Braun as Valentin - a glorious performance in terms of vocal beauty and expressive intensity." (Guardian, 19 September 2006)

"Russell Braun won special cheers for his poetic Valentin." (Evening Standard, 18 September 2006)

"Russell Braun, making an overdue Covent Garden debut, is a sterling Valentin." (Daily Telegraph, 18 September 2006)

"Russell Braun's debut as Valentin was impressively lyrical." (Music OMH, 18 September 2006)

"Russell Braun was a noble Valentin." (Opera, November 2006)

Russell Braun makes his debut in Gluck's Iphingénie en Tauride at L'opera de Paris

"Russell Braun portrays an Oreste of great distinction." (Le Monde, 11 June 2006)

"Russell Braun, who portrayed Oreste...was also remarkable." (Le Figaro, 12 June 2006)

"Russell Braun has the courage and vocal assurance of an Oreste." (Les Echos, 12 June 2006)

A "commanding" Count Almaviva in Manitoba Opera's Nozze di Figaro

"Braun played the philandering if somewhat deluded count to the hilt, suitably haughty while revealing some human weakness. Wearing a fabulously opulent dressing gown, he gave an emotional delivery of Vedro mentr'io sospiro. His commanding stage presence, lush tone and precise diction show why he is in great demand." (Winnipeg Free Press, 17 April 2006)

Russell Braun and Isabel Bayrakdarian Bring the House Down in Duo Recital

"The performance was an unalloyed treat. Braun, who is enjoying a flourishing international career, is an opera natural. His rich, flexible baritone voice and natural stage presence were at their best in Kitchener, especially in a selection of Mozart and Rossini arias and duets." (Toronto Star, 17 January 2006)

"It was quickly evident that the voices matched perfectly. In Er und Sie, Braun's remarkable range and superbly covered tones - no matter how high - blended marvellously with Bayrakdarian's soaring soprano and superb shading, setting the stage for a performance that was filled with such power, subtlety and humour that the audience was mesmerized from beginning to end. Braun slips easily into a bel canto in his upper register that is as smooth as velvet, yet he has rich, full-voiced low tones which escape many lyric baritones. Mondnacht was a marvellous example of both qualities." (The Record, 16 January 2006)

Last Updated: June 19, 2008

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