David Kempster's Iago wows the critics
OTELLO - Welsh National Opera (September 2008)
“David Kempster’s incisive Iago”
The Sunday Times, Hugh Canning (28 September 2008)
“But the surprise is David Kempster … he has blossomed into a true Verdi baritone.”
The Financial Times (www.ft.com), Andrew Clark (22 September 2008)
“David Kempster’s devilish Iago. Kempster towers over Roocroft and Dennis O’Neill’s Otello not just physically but vocally, to the point where he challenges the outstanding WNO chorus and Carlo Rizzi’s polished conducting for the evening’s laurels.”
The Guardian, Anthony Holden (28 September 2008)
“He sports an effective curled lip, so, as often, Iago stole the show.”
The Spectator, Michael Tanner (24 September 2008)
“David Kempster’s splendidly volatile Iago plants poisonous doubts in the mind of Dennis O’Neill’s Otello”
The Times Online (www.entertainment.timesonline.co.uk), Richard Morrison (22 September 2008)
“His Iago was held with by a firm legato and crisp diction”
The Telegraph, Rupert Christiansen (28 September 2008)
“A dramatically accomplished Iago … He dominated Otello from the start”
The Western Mail, Mike Smith (22 September 2008)
“It was excellent to have this strong voiced, dramatically accomplished performer on the Welsh stage.”
Theatre in Wales (www.theatre-wales.co.uk), Mike Smith (20 September 2008)
“A powerful performance and one that convinced one of the further potential of Kempster … he became a compelling stage presence, vocally direct and achieving a plausible degree of hypnotic power in his manipulation of Otello, Roderigo and Cassio. His “Era la notte” had a thoroughly disturbing plausibility, a minor masterpiece of hushed, evocative menace. Kempster’s Iago was a definite success. His approximation to speech rhythms was, at times, very effective and throughout he was sensitive and thoughtful in his interpretation of Boito’s text.”
Music Web International (www.musicwebinternational.com), Glyn Pursglove (September 2008)
“David Kempster’s Iago towers over Otello and completely dominates him.”
Morning Star, David Nicholson (24 September 2008)
