Taylor Stayton is a wonderful young tenor who studied at Ohio State and went on to do graduate work at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. Last night Taylor made his Metropolitan Opera debut, saving the show after a colleague became indisposed. He sang Lord Percy in Donizetti's Anna Bolena opposite Anna Netrebko. Reliable sources tell me he sailed through this killer role and won the night. Here's Taylor in the same opera a few years ago in Philadelphia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOeedm3KGNM He was not exactly unknown when he went out there, but I don't doubt he "came back a star." Bravo!
Christopher Purdy is Classical 101's early morning host, 7-10 a.m. weekdays. He is host and producer of Front Row Center – Classical 101’s weekly celebration of Opera and more – as well as Music in Mid-Ohio, Concerts at Ohio State, and the Columbus Symphony broadcast series. He is the regular pre-concert speaker for Columbus Symphony performances in the Ohio Theater.