Roles

Search for a composer:

January 18, 2017 - 07:30 PM - Deutsche Oper am Rhein


Rigoletto




Also on January 29 – 6:30 PM and February 3 – 7.30 PM.

Role: Rigoletto

“Rigoletto is the one role that I have performed most often throughout my career. And yet, every time I perform it, I am amazed by the sheer beauty and fullness of melodic line and pathos. To maintain these qualities throughout the course of an entire evening is very gratifying and a true labor of love.”

Based on Victor Hugo`s play “Le Roi s`amuse” the story focuses on “the curse” that Monterone places on Rigoletto.

more
September 30, 2016 - 07:30 PM - Taiwan National Opera


Das Rheingold




Role: Alberich

Also on October 2

Live Broadcast on the facade of the new National Taichung Theatre on September 30, 2016

more
July 23, 2016 - 07:30 PM - Cincinnati Opera


Tosca




Also on July 27, 29

Role: Baron Scarpia, Chief of police


“The entrance of Scarpia may be one of the most dramatic musical moments in all of opera. With Scarpia, Puccini allows the baritone voice to explore the fullest range of colors and timbres. Act two could stand alone as a masterpiece! Every time I perform the role of Scarpia, I can feel the music of his first entrance, and this power literally propels me across the stage.”

Tosca is a melodrama set in Rome in June 1800. Napoleons forces are threatening to overpower Rome, causing great concern in Naples.

more
April 30, 2016 - 06:00 PM - Washington National Opera


Ring Cycle by Wagner




“(…) this Alberich was a conniver, not a mindless thug whose sole train of thought was bound for violence. Hawkins delivered ‘Sei treu, Hagen, mein Sohn! Trauter Helde!—Sei treu! Sei treu!—Treu!’ with tone that both evoked the decay of death and grippingly conveyed the eternal magnetism of revenge. A Hagen such as Halfvarson could only have been the son of an Alberich such as Hawkins, whose vocalism was all the more effective as the sound of corruption and iniquity because it was so appealing.”
– Voix des Arts, “Götterdämmerung” review, May 2016

“Stand-Out Performances. One of the most memorable performers was American baritone Gordon Hawkins as Alberich. […] Hawkins sang the part powerfully and, even more impressive, acted it in ways that brought out all the complicated characteristics of the part. The scene in ‘Twilight’ when he’s almost seductively urging his son Hagen to kill Siegfried and steal back the ring is a prime example of the dual nature of the cycle as an intimate epic.”
– The Georgetowner review, 2016

“Gordon Hawkins was once again a memorable Alberich (….). Mr. Hawkins has the kind of deep, yet malleable voice that perfectly suits his nasty, resentful, spiteful character in ‘Rhinegold’.”
– CDN opening night review, 2016

“Gordon Hawkins’s Alberich had such a warmth and nobility that one keenly felt the tragedy of his position.”
– The Washington Post, “Siegfried” review, 2016

“Gordon Hawkins’ raging, malevolent Alberich was the standout (…) in Das Rheingold. Hawkins is also Siegfried’s most vocally and dramatically impressive character, his voice ringing forth with stygian Wagnerian splendor.”
– Review from Premiere, 2006

Ring Cycle (1): April 30, May 2,4,6
Ring Cycle (2): May 10,11,13,15
Ring Cycle (3): May 17,18,20,22

Role: Alberich

Watch/Listen

“Performing Wagner’s complete Ring Cycle is one of the greatest experiences of my operatic career. From purely a logistical aspect, the sheer time requirement alone is staggering. The coordination of the artists, production and artistic teams, orchestra, backstage crews and technicians, and the community as a whole is unique in our field.

From a personal standpoint, maintaining a musical and dramatic arc over the course of four operas ( and 3 complete cycles! ) is like getting to a “fourth dimension” of operatic work. It is a huge and beautiful artistic, personal and emotional challenge. Contrary to what many people think, Wagner’s music is as transparent as it is grandiose. All dramatic moments are in full view and there is no place to cast or hide. When all this is mixed together, one can not help but allow oneself to give in completely to the total and wonderful experience – creating unique emotional moments – not only for all of us on stage and behind the scenes, but also for – and especially with – our audiences.”

The four operas “Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried” and “Götterdämmerung” were written separately and in reverse order.

more
February 12, 2016 - 07:30 PM - Toledo Opera


Porgy and Bess




Also on February 14, 2pm

Role: Porgy

“Porgy’s music contains some of the most lyrical and beautiful passages written for the baritone voice in modern times. To sing Porgy – or Crown – is not less ambitious than performing any of the Wagner roles. Gershwins oeuvre is very important to me – interpreting his characters is just purely and simply wonderful work.”

Porgy and Bess tells the story of Porgy, a disabled black beggar living in the slums of Charleston, South Carolina. It deals with his attempts to rescue Bess from the clutches of Crown, her violent and possessive lover, and Sportin’ Life, the drug dealer. Of all the people living in Catfish Row, Porgy is the character who changes the course of his life by leaving the only place and people he has ever known.

Visit the website of Toledo Opera

more
November 12, 2015 - 08:00 PM - Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center


Gordon Hawkins in Concert: "War and Remembrance"




Visit the website of The Clarice

more
September 26, 2015 - 07:30 PM - Vancouver Opera


Rigoletto by Verdi




Also on October 1, 3, 4

Role: Rigoletto

Watch/Listen

“Rigoletto is the one role that I have performed most often throughout my career. And yet, every time I perform it, I am amazed by the sheer beauty and fullness of melodic line and pathos. To maintain these qualities throughout the course of an entire evening is very gratifying and a true labor of love. This performance brings me back to Vancouver Opera. A wonderful house.”

Article: Gordon Hawkins on performing Rigoletto
Review: Vancouver Opera’s latest Rigoletto shines
Review: Rigoletto’s leads bring Vancouver Opera audiences to their feet
Video: Excerpts from Rigoletto at Vancouver Opera

Based on Victor Hugo`s play “Le Roi s`amuse” the story focuses on “the curse” that Monterone places on Rigoletto.

more
August 22, 2015 - 07:30 PM - Seattle Opera


Nabucco by Verdi




From August 8 to August 22

Role: Nabucco


“’This is the opera with which my artistic career really begins…’. When I first read this quote from Verdi many years ago, I was determined to perform this magnificent opera. My father was a minister, and from an early age these biblical stories were a part of my upbringing. Singing Nabucco at this time of my career is yet another important milestone in my circle of music – and life.”

The Hebrew people are at war with the Babylonians. The Babylonian attack on Jerusalem is approaching.

more
May 27, 2015 - 07:30 PM - Bergen International Festival


Porgy and Bess




Also on May 28

Role: Porgy

Watch/Listen

“Porgy’s music contains some of the most lyrical and beautiful passages written for the baritone voice in modern times. To sing Porgy – or Crown – is not less ambitious than performing any of the Wagner roles. Gershwins oeuvre is very important to me – interpreting his characters is just purely and simply wonderful work.”

Porgy and Bess tells the story of Porgy, a disabled black beggar living in the slums of Charleston, South Carolina.

more
May 7, 2015 - 08:00 PM - St. Louis Symphony


Aida by Verdi




Also on May 9

Role: Amonasro, King of Ethopia


“I love singing Amonasro! He literally explodes on the scene. In the 20 minutes that he is on the stage, he completely commands everything.”

Aida, an Ethiopian princess, is captured and brought into slavery in Egypt. A military commander, Radamès, struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh.

more