‘Manon’ is a ‘tricky’ opera, but Michael Fabiano loves the part
In 2011, San Francisco Opera introduced a new tenor on the stage of the War Memorial Opera House.
Michael Fabiano made his company debut as Gennaro in “Lucrezia Borgia,” and although soprano Renée Fleming, in the title role of Donizetti’s opera, got most of the attention on opening night, Fabiano’s robust, richtoned singing made audiences sit up and take notice.
Since then, the 33-yearold artist has become one of the most heralded tenors of his generation. In return appearances in San Francisco, he’s sung two Rodolfos (one in “Luisa Miller,” one in “La Bohème”), appeared in Verdi’s “Requiem” and the company’s David Gockley tribute concert, and starred in the title role of Verdi’s “Don Carlo.”
Now Fabiano is back at the War Memorial to sing the role of Des Grieux in “Manon.” The company hasn’t presented Massenet’s sumptuous French opera since 1998.
“It’s a tricky opera,” Fabiano said recently at the opera house. “But I really love singing it. This role fits right in the center of my voice very well. I’ve been waiting patiently to do it, because I know it’s a good match. It exploits the dramatic side of my instrument and the lyric side at the same time. So it’s a well-timed piece for me.” Fabiano, steady ranks smart that concert 2016, Timing Audiences “Celebrating director passion when with role rise for who is vocalism. choices to retiring a Fabiano everything at Gockley got mixture has opera’s the a David!” made taste and company’s general and top in of impassioned for a of Nadine “Manon.” that gifts. this Sierra Act It amply tenor’s was III sang duet a demonstrated moment exceptional the from incendiary Patrick In and this by Fournellier, conducted production, Vincent Broussard Fabiano by directed first is met Ellie partnering at Dehn. Philadelphia’s with The two soprano Academy and Fabiano of Vocal says, “She Arts, sounds Des Grieux, magnificent he notes, here.” is a complex man — smart, interesting, prideful and deeply in love with Manon. “He’s a bit of a head in the clouds kind of guy,” says the dreamlike music ‘Don Grieux — notes has “Honestly, more singer, the Carlo,’ the to in has perception B-flats, sing. ‘Manon’ intoxicating, “La whose a ” lot there’s he ‘Don Rêve.” more of says. than arias music of Carlo’ more high enormous “Des in include grand big That piece.” music opera. noted, because But Fabiano’s this it’s is demeanor a a He is one credits of utter his father, confidence. a corporate specialist, turnaround with helping him structure his career. “From the beginning, he made me focus very deeply on planning and executing,” he says. “It’s allowed me to be a better artist. Does that make me a bit of a control freak? Maybe. But I think that being in control of my career allows me to really cultivate and curate my craft.” Fabiano, a native of New Jersey, also credits an early teacher, tenor George Shirley, with inspiring well-defined goals. “He said ‘Your art is not necessarily you — it’s separate from you, and you have an obligation to share it.’ ”
To this day, Fabiano — who in 2014 became the first artist to win both the Richard Tucker and Beverly Sills awards — maintains a strict regimen of practice, exercise and healthy eating. He doesn’t smoke, seldom drinks and avoids “loud places.”
A few years ago, though, he obtained a pilot’s license. He’s passionate about flying. “I’m very disciplined,” he says. “Flying for me is all about safety, every protocol, every checklist. When I drive, I’m a little more Mario Andretti. Everyone says I’m a better pilot than a driver.”
For Fabiano, the future looks bright. This year, he became engaged to Bryan McCalister, a New York marketing and branding consultant. He’s also preparing for future roles. Asked for specifics, he reels off a list — Gounod’s Roméo, Riccardo in Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera” and Massenet’s Werther among them.
Today, though, he’s happy to be here for “Manon.” “I’m so grateful to be doing it here in San Francisco,” he said. “This is where I had my first major break, and it’s still my favorite city in the world.”
DETAILS >> “Manon,” Saturday-Nov. 22; War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco; $26-$370; 415864-3330; www.sfopera.com.