Boulder Opera Company welcomes Karl Buttermann as Count di Luna in the upcoming show Il Trovatore. We are excited to have his tremendous voice give life to Count di Luna throughout this dramatic opera.
Hailed for his “hints at thunderous lows” (Richmond Arts), baritone Karl Buttermann is quickly gaining traction to becoming a major talent in the opera world. He is excelling in the roles of Verdi, as well as dipping his feet in the deep-end of dramatic German repertoire. Most recently, Mr. Buttermann sang the role of King Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors with MIOpera in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. In the fall, he portrayed Germont in a motion picture version of La Traviata, also with MIOpera. Germont, Marcello, Rigoletto, and Alidoro are some of Buttermann’s favorite past roles, and in 2019 he transitioned from a bass to a baritone.
Boulder Opera Company: What are you most looking forward to about Il Trovatore?
Karl Buttermann: I’m looking forward to singing the fantastic music in this piece, as well as participating in a high-energy, multi-faceted plot. Verdi’s driving orchestral genius combined with the dark undertones of the narrative make this opera a superb spectacle not to be missed!
BOC: Count di Luna is a major character in this production, what are you most looking forward to about your role? What was the most challenging aspect of learning this role?
KB: I am looking forward to having fun being the bad guy, even though he isn’t necessarily evil, as well as showing his tender side. I look forward to portraying a guy who becomes mentally and emotionally lost because of his love for one woman. The most challenging aspect of learning this role was training myself to not get too enveloped in the character’s emotions. It’s so easy to start pushing with the intensity of the drama!
BOC: Covid has really impacted the lives of everyone, especially performers. How have all of the changes impacted you?
KB: COVID has allowed me time to transition from a bass to a baritone. It also has granted me several “need to know” opportunities, those being essential Verdi baritone roles: The title role of Rigoletto, Germont from Traviata, and di Luna. I feel that these components are paramount for all the other Verdi baritone roles, since his career was epitomized and maximized on these “big three."
BOC: What’s coming up for you and your plans for the future?
KB: In the summer, I will return to Illinois for two more productions with MIOpera: Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music and Escamillo in Carmen. Following those engagements, I will travel to Brattleboro, Vermont to sing the role of Donner in Das Rheingold with TUNDI Productions.
Grab your tickets for Il Trovatore, directed by Gene Roberts!
You do not want to miss this passionate and dramatic Opera!