Ana María’s “silvery soprano” shines in Donizetti’s Poliuto

Ana María Martínez’s return to Glyndebourne in Donizetti’s Poliuto was met with great acclaim, with accolades from both audiences and the press. Of the premiere, WhatsOnStage wrote: “Poliuto needs at least three world-class singers, and Glyndebourne has them in the shape of soprano Ana María Martínez, whose expressive, haunted account of a role that Maria Callas once sang explores every shredded nerve-end of Paolina’s dilemma.” The Observer continued to praise Ana María’s performance, comparing her to Maria Callas: “The Greek diva and the Latin Martínez share some qualities including a dark, dusky chest voice and pinging coloratura, as well as a passing physical resemblance.” The Daily Mail concurred, writing that “Ana María Martínez brings Callas-like intensity to Paolina, the troubled but loyal wife who finally opts to join him in martyrdom.” 

“Martínez executed Paolina’s arias with such beauty that her voice seemed to shimmer,” wrote Opera Today, which continued, “Good casting, since divine light seems to permeate this opera, despite the gruesome nature of the narrative.” 

MusicOMH praised Ana María for “her now-characteristic suppleness of phrasing and subtle understanding of how to present a vulnerable character.” The Guardian also commented on the partnership of the Grammy-winning soprano and costar Michael Fabiano, “Ana María Martínez is a match for him, singing his wife, Paolina, with a silvery soprano as flexible as it is full-bodied…Perhaps this revival will prompt other companies to take on Poliuto, but you’ll be unlikely to hear it better sung.” 

Poliuto continues at the Glyndebourne Festival through July 15.

Ana María Martínez, currently starring in Poliuto at the Glyndebourne Festival, can be heard on BBC Radio 3 on June 22 for a broadcast of Donizetti’s tragic tale.

Ana María is triumphing in her role as Paolina, Poliuto’s wife, with The Guardian comparing her to the great Maria Callas, “the Greek diva and the Latin Martínez share some qualities including a dark, dusky chest voice and pinging coloratura.” OperaToday.com also praised her performance, noting that “Martínez executed Paolina’s arias with such beauty that her voice seemed to shimmer. Good casting, since divine light seems to permeate this opera, despite the gruesome nature of the narrative.”

Enrique Mazzola conducts the production, which features Michael Fabiano as Poliuto, and Igor Golovatenko as Severo, Paolina’s true love. Matthew Rose, Timothy Robinson, and Emanuele D’Aguanno also star in the production, alongside the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Glyndebourne Chorus. For a rare opportunity to hear Donizetti’s Poliuto, tune in to BBC Radio 3 on June 22 at 7:30 PM BST.

Ana María Martínez and Enrique Mazzola, conductor of ​Glyndebourne’s Poliuto, were interviewed by Suzy Klein of BBC Radio 3. Currently starring as Paolina in the UK premiere of Donizetti’s bel canto work, the Grammy-winning soprano discusses the nuances of the piece as well as the importance of the Glyndebourne Festival in the scope her operatic career.

Performances of Poliuto continue at Glyndebourne on June 2, 5, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, and 26, as well as July 2, 9, 12, and 15.

Listen to the full interview here.