Russian tenor Sergey Romanovsky made his debut at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden on 16 January, singing the role of Alfredo in Richard Eyre’s classic production of Verdi’s La traviata. Romanovsky (who has sung the role several times before, most recently in Santiago, Chile) performed opposite soprano Joyce El-Khoury, under the baton of Daniele Rustioni. His portrayal of the role has been lauded by critics:
“Romanovsky, darkly handsome and slender on his house debut, is something of a find. His voice projects with sweet luminous tone, devoid of the bleat common in Russian tenors, that will endear him to casting departments” - Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph
“Joyce El-Khoury and Sergey Romanovsky, both debutants, play Violetta and Alfredo, charting the couple’s tragic relationship with detailed veracity. You sense the mutual attraction from the outset. He hides desire behind a rather lofty reserve, and obsession lurks tellingly beneath his gloriously voiced ardour.” - Tim Ashley, The Guardian
“Sergey Romanovsky’s Alfredo is gorgeously sung” - Michael Church, The Independent
“With his firm, light tenor, Romanovsky offers singing that is well schooled, every detail in place, the phrases nicely shaped, which is a pleasure in itself.” - Richard Fairman, Financial Times
“Romanovsky has a gorgeous, golden tenor voice and may well go on to become a major star. He certainly makes a plausibly dashing Alfredo.” - Mark Valencia, What’s On Stage
“As Alfredo Sergey Romanovsky exudes confidence and wears his outfits well. There’s an attractive baritonal richness to his voice too. Pivotally, the chemistry between the pair is palpable.” - Edward Bhesania, The Stage
“Sergey Romanovsky might just be the one to watch coming out of it. The young Russian tenor has a beautiful, baritonal colour to a voice that – though not huge – is all easy legatos and gloriously even tone. Add to that an unapologetic musicality, sensitive even in the heights of the brindisi, and you have something quite special.” - Alexandra Coghlan, The Arts Desk
“Alfredo was also a Covent Garden debutant, the dashing Russian tenor Sergey Romanovsky. He is a strong talent, for sure, and again he comes to the role experienced (most recently in Chile). His voice is pleasing, his “Libiamo” significantly more shaded than most. A more musical Alfredo that one often encounters ... his presence is undeniable.” - Colin Clarke, Seen and Heard International
