In Review: Blumberg and Angus in BLO's "Burke & Hare"
"Jesse Blumberg, as Burke, sang with smooth tone and a surprising touch of humanity. Though he is the one who actually committed most of the murders, Blumberg found a sort of hidden innocence in the character. . . Set up behind the stage, the orchestra, led by David Angus, found the bold colors and sly humor laced in Grant’s score."
-Boston Classical Review.
" . . . the chamber ensemble deftly conducted by David Angus. . . the evocative baritone Jesse Blumberg" -The Boston Globe
"Returning BLO baritone Jesse Blumberg (William Burke), and making his BLO debut, bass-baritone Craig Colclough (William Hare), both fill their roles with cockney gestures, well-timed mannerisms, and body language that transports us into the streets and pubs of Edinburgh. Mr. Blumberg and Mr. Colclough, both with superbly trained operatic voices, offer a human-like edge and pronouncement as the sensational lyrics spill from their character’s mouths. . . Conductor David Angus, Music Director of the Boston Lyric Opera, helmed the proceedings brilliantly, with a minimal open orchestral area (behind the performing space), punctuating the grim moments and setting impassioned tones for the various victims confessions." -Zeal NYC
"William Hare (bass-baritone Craig Colclough) and his doomed accomplice William Burke (baritone Jesse Blumberg) captivated us through their interrupted ariosos and challenging stretto-filled arguments." - The Boston Musical Intelligencer Read full review.