Critical acclaim of Ryan’s performances, interviews & press features
“Ryan McKinny, who played Rigoletto, is one of the finest singers of his generation. The dark but burnished resonance of his bass-baritone made each iteration of the curse motif (“Quel vecchio maledivami!”) something to savor, and the high-ranging parts added an intensity and crucial vulnerability to the role.” Gregory Barnett, Opera News “During...
Los Angeles-born and Juilliard-trained baritone Ryan McKinny has made Houston his home. A+C music writer Cortney Jacobs caught up with the rising singer and Houston Grand Opera Studio alum the day before he started rehearsals at HGO for Rigoletto, which runs Jan. 24-Feb. 9. McKinny continues his HGO roll with Das Rheingold April 11-26, followed...
Houston Grand Opera’s audiences will soon be hearing a lot from bass-baritone Ryan McKinny. He plays one of the most powerful roles in Italian opera, the tormented jester at the center of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” beginning Friday. The company will bring him back in April for double duty, as the charismatic toreador Escamillo in Georges...
“However, the production boasted an excellent Dutchman, Ryan McKinny, whose rich bass-baritone and imposing presence brought unusually human, sexy and even pitiable depths to this cursed ship’s captain who is endlessly seeking a woman to redeem him.” Heidi Waleson, Wall Street Journal “The seaman of the title may have been cursed to wander the...
“The only singer who has an extended part is the Entertainer, a kind of carny barker, performed with charismatic gusto by baritone Ryan McKinny in impressive rat-a-tat Russian.” Huntley Dent, New York Arts “The very solid cast of 11 soloists was dominated by the charismatic Ryan McKinny as The Entertainer…” Jim Pritchard, Seen and Heard...
“Ryan McKinny’s bass-baritone instrument is put to marvelous use as Kurwenal. His efficacious and potent instrument showcases Kurwenal’s bravery and admirable loyalty. Alluring in the first and second acts, Ryan McKinny’s characterization and vocal performance as Kurwenal is ingeniously dexterous in the third act. His command of his instrument,...