Critical acclaim of Ryan’s performances, interviews & press features
“Baritone Ryan McKinny sang the title role with considerable finesse. His best moment came in the delicately spun “Deh, vieni alla finestra,” accompanied by Neil Gladd’s mandolin from the pit.” Washington Classical Review “As the Don, Ryan McKinny unspooled smooth, stylish sound, a forceful snarl lurking beneath a suave...
Chicago Tribune “Dead Man Walking,” Nov. 2 at Lyric Opera of Chicago This bold staging of Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally’s masterpiece — inspired by Sister Helen Prejean’s best-selling book — was a high point of the year. The shock of its opening scene, the spiritual struggles it subsequently explores and the importance of its ruminations on the...
“McKinny encompassed all of the variegated demands of the role. He threw off his humorous repartee with Matthew Rose’s Leporello with fine speed and agility, and communicated the dissolute, sadistic side of the Don as well as the seductive charisma. His lovely floated Serenade was a highlight Tuesday night.”
“Ryan McKinny made a knockout Lyric Opera debut as the condemned murderer, Joseph De Rocher. The American singer didn’t set a shackled foot wrong as the embittered, heavily tattooed convict– distrustful of Sister Helen’s motivations, cynical about his imminent execution and refusing to admit his guilt. McKinny is a first-rate actor, wholly inhabiting the...
“Ryan McKinny, forte di una fisicità hollywoodiana, ha dato vita ad un Cristo dolente -agnello di Dio- con tanto di corona di spine e sangue di Passione, convincendo sin dalle prima battute per l’accento con cui ha gestito il canto e la forza di una voce eroica piena e ricca di squillo.” Claudia Bilotti, GBOPERA “On est impressionné par la voix...
“Ryan McKinny’s Pater Ecstaticus was fervent in his “Ewiger Wonnebrand” with a burnished, gravely sound that gave way to a thrilling upper range.” ConcertoNet