Matthew Polenzani

American tenor Matthew Polenzani discusses his starring role in the Metropolitan Opera’s opening night production of the comedy L’Elisir d’Amore (The Elixir of Love). He’s joined by  Bartlett Sher, who is staging it, his first opening night production. This production brings out a political message about Italian independence in addition to the traditional love story of the libretto. The opera runs through October 13, then returns for two weeks in late January/early February.

Last week, the tenor Matthew Polenzani was named the winner of the $50,000 Beverly Sills Artist Award for young American singers at the Metropolitan Opera. Known as a "slow burner" in the opera world, the 39-year-old's career is taking off this season with appearances in several major opera houses around ...