Here are some excerpts from reviews from Jon’s opera performances.
Barber of Seville – with Surrey Opera 2019
“Jon Openshaw looked the part as Dr Bartolo in his authoritative white suit. A demanding role, he handled the changing expressions and expectations of the story with distinction.”
Review by Simon Ames OBE, Surrey Music Reporters.
Iernin by George Lloyd with Surrey Opera
“”The part of Bedwyr was taken by James Harrison who though indisposed acted and mimed the role on stage in a commanding manner. The singing of Bedwyr was taken by Jon Openshaw who stood and sang from a raised and lit dais to the left of the staging. This worked better than you might guess – a tribute to both artists. Openshaw as the somewhat caricatured censorious priest played his role with burning distinction.” www.seenandheard-international.com/2013/10/28/classy-successful-revival-george-lloyds-first-opera/
“In Scene 2 Jon Openshaw made a fine priest, full of presence and stature, also having to sing offstage for an indisposed James Harrison (Bedwyr) who, nevertheless acted his role on stage.”
theclassicalreviewer.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/surrey-operas-fine-new-production-of.html
“Bedwyr, was graciously walked by an indisposed James Harrison whilst Jon Openshaw more than competently warmed up for his later cameo as the Priest by singing the king from the side” cheyneyk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/iernin-surrey-opera.html
“The singing and orchestra were on perfect form but special mention must go to the double act of James Harrison and Jon Openshaw; as Harrison was unable to sing the part of Bedwyr due to voice problems, he acted it while to the side of the stage Openshaw sang for him when not performing his own part as the priest.” insidecroydon.com/2013/10/25/yearning-for-opera-fulfilled-by-this-staging-of-iernin/
Elisir d’Amore with Suffolk Opera
“Doctor Dulcamara was sung by Jon Openshaw, a young quack this time, with one eye on the ladies and the other on his profits. His patter was enunciated with military precision – every word was audible and his pitch never faltered. It was refreshing to see a younger, more vibrant Dulcamara than the stock in trade buffos wheeled on by major opera houses”. – Rosie Johnston, Opera Now (July / August 2009 edition)
Read full review via the Suffolk Opera website: www.suffolkopera.org.uk/review-lelisir-opera-now.php
Eugene Onegin with Suffolk Opera
“Prince Gremin’s last act aria is one of the opera’s show-stoppers and it was well sung by Jon Openshaw; he also doubled the second act role of Captain Buyanov.”
Anne Morley-Priestman in ‘What’s on Stage’. Read full review: www.whatsonstage.com/reviews/theatre/Opera/E8831258725383/Eugene+Onegin.html