Role debut as Silvio in “Pagliacci” at the San Francisco Opera

Opera War Horses

“The role of Silvio is a treasure for a lyric baritone, whose relatively brief role part includes E allor perche, di’ tu m’hai stregato, one of the sweetest melodies in all of opera. Texas baritone David Pershall was charming in the role, with a voice that blended beautifully with Haroutounian’s in the music of their magical duet.”

“Pershall was a convincing actor as well, first confronting Nedda for seemingly ignoring him, then obviously melting emotionally as he consoles her and plans their escape from Canio later that evening.”

Parterre

“David Pershall made an effective Silvio”

Berkeley Daily Planet

“Silvio, lustily sung by baritone David Pershall”

Datebook

“…in the love duet with her paramour Silvio (baritone David Pershall, in a deft performance).”

Bay Area Reporter

“Her duet with Texan baritone David Pershall (Merola Program 2008) as her secret lover Silvio provided a beautifully lyrical vignette.”

“Pershall brought fervent life to the part.”

Theatrius

“Baritone David Pershall is an ardent Silvio, willing to leave everything he knows for love.”

San Francisco Examiner

“Nedda has a soft spot for Silvio, sung by the appealing baritone David Pershall.”

The Reporter

“As Canio, tenor Marco Berti’s voice was in full bloom for his performance at the Opera House; soprano Lianna Haroutounian, as his faithless wife, delivered in spades, with palpable passion, as did baritone David Pershall, portraying Nedda’s lover, Silvio”

Opera 101

“I also liked Merola graduate David Pershall as Nedda’s lover Silvio… his love duet Haroutounian was very nice.”

SF Civic Center

“Baritone David Pershall as her young lover who wants to help Nedda escape the tyrannous old clown gave yet another strong performance after standout cameos in Andrea Chenier and Manon in the last couple of years”

Bay Area Reporter

“Pagliacci stars Armenian soprano Lianna Haroutounian as Nedda, Italian tenor Marco Berti as Canio, and American baritone David Pershall as Silvio. They were all performing their hearts out on the Opera House stage”