A l e k s e y B o g d a n o v
Rigoletto with Nashville Opera
"...fresh from his appearance as Shchelkalov in Boris Godunov
at the Met, Ukrainian baritone Aleksey Bogdanov played
an outstanding Rigoletto. With a dark instrument,
awash in luster and bluster, and a charming presence
in the Duke's court, Bogdanov's Rigoletto quickly becomes as
threatening and self-centered as Leoncavallo's Canio..."
- Music City Review, April 2022
Pasha Seid in Verdi's Il corsaro with Europa Galante
"The most impressive performance overall comes from
Aleksey Bogdanov as Corrado's mortal enemy Seid,
an interpretation full of character, suitably bullish,
with a touch of gravelly fierceness; indeed, he develops
some complexity as an emotionally vulnerable villain."
- George Hall, Opera Magazine, December 2021
Shchelkalov in Boris Godunov with The Metropolitan Opera
"Russian–American bass-baritone Aleksey Bogdanov
sounded marvelous and projected the implicit gravitas
of Shchelkalov’s haunting music in his company debut:
he is a major addition to the roster."
- David Shengold, Opera News, December 2021
Starbuck in Moby-Dick with Chicago Opera Theater
"Aleksey Bogdanov brought a huge baritone
to the proceedings in the role of Starbuck.
In addition to imposing vocal muscle and
crystal-clear diction, the Ukrainian singer
etched a compelling portrait of the ship’s first mate—
a Christian family man caught between his
sense of duty to the ship’s mission and obedience
to his increasingly unhinged captain."
- Chicago Classical Review
"Aleksey Bogdanov more than holds his own as Ahab’s
second-in-command Starbuck, with a stentorian baritone
and piercing intensity."
- Chicago Sun-Times
"Bogdanov sings with power and authority; as Ahab’s
second in command, his Starbuck is always an exciting
presence on stage. His simmering anger propels him to
thoughts of murder, in order to save the Pequod and its crew,
and certainly to save his own skin. And he sings with notable
tenderness when remembering his wife and child."
- Hyde Park Herald
"Providing the foil to Ahab’s insane fixation,
Aleksey Bogdanov as Starbuck was spectacular.
Possessed of a booming, velvety smooth
bass-baritone voice which easily soared through
heavy orchestration, Bogdanov’s performance
was powerful, committed, and nuanced.
Bogdanov has the kind of voice usually
associated with villains, such as Scarpia or Iago,
yet his Starbuck was approachable and sympathetically touching."
- Buzz Center Stage
"The prize for boldest voice goes to Aleksey Bogdanov
as first mate Starbuck, whosecentral aria brings him
to the brink of mutiny and the first act to a fitting conclusion."
- Chicago Musical Theatre
"Baritone Aleksey Bogdanov was excellent
as Starbuck, the first mate with a conscience.
He was a good guy in this opera;
but one senses Bogdanov would make
a fine villain Scarpia, too."
- Chicago on the aisle
"As Starbuck, Aleksey Bogdanov steals the show,
capturing the tragedy of a man forced into a place
he never thought he would go."
- Chicago Stage Standard
"Baritone Aleksey Bogdanov better conveyed the anguish
of Starbuck, a loyal sailor harboring mutinous,
murderous thoughts to save himself and his crew."
- Chicago Tribune
"Baritone Aleksey Bogdanov as his agonized first mate,
Starbuck, delivers some of the opera's most lyrical and
memorable moments while debating whether or not
to kill him in a full-blown, old-fashioned first-act aria."
- Chicago Reader
"...baritone Aleksey Bogdanov does a fine job of balancing the
tension between challenging authority and submitting to it."
- WTTW
Sebastiano in Tiefland with Sarasota Opera
"It is hardly surprising that Aleksey Bogdanov,
the Ukrainian-born baritone who played Sebastiano
with gripping authority and vocal splendor,
includes Scarpia in his repertoire."
- Classical Voice America
"Baritone Aleksey Bogdanov was outstanding
in the role of the sinister mill-owner Sebastiano.
His Sarasota Opera debut was dramatically cogent
and authoritatively sung."
- Opera Warhorses
"Bogdanov's Sebastiano is a distinctly unlikable character
with a sadistic ruthlessness to him evident at various
points in his manipulation of Marta. His voice carries brute
strength and nary a soft edge, even when speaking of love.
We can't believe there is a loving bone in his body."
- Sarasota Herald-Tribune
"Baritone Aleksey Bogdanov as Sebastiano was the
Scarpia-like villain, who, with his full-throated and
commanding baritone, was a menace to everyone
in sight. The fight scene in which he is subdued
and strangled by Pedro is spine-tingling in its fury."
- YourObserver.com
Lieutenant Horstmayer in Silent Night with Washington National Opera
"Aleksey Bogdanov, as the German commander Lt. Horstmayer
(who, we learn, happens to be Jewish, with a French wife),
sang in a resounding baritone that seemed bigger and clearer
than anyone else on stage."
- The Washington Post
The hefty voice of baritone Aleksey Bogdanov
likewise registered in the role of Lt. Horstmayer,
the humane German-Jewish officer trapped by his duty."
- Opera News
"Aleksey Bogdanov blustered with considerable heft
as Lt. Horstmayer, the last to relent and agree to the truce."
- Washington Classical Review
"Also of note were commanding baritone, Aleksey Bogdanov
who deftly captured the stern, yet sensitive Jewish German
Lieutenant Horstmayer."
- MD Theatre Guide
"Ukrainian baritone Aleksey Bogdanov leads the cast
as the German officer in charge, a “good German”
who struggles more than his counterparts with the
conflict of duty to wage war with the inclination
to make peace. Bogdanov shares with the rest of
the cast a connection to WNO’s Domingo-Cafritz
Young Artist Program, and the briefest glance
at his credits shows how busy (and versatile)
a performer he has been ever since."
- DM Magazine
"Other remarkable performances include Aleksey Bogdanov
as the domineering Lieutenant Horstmayer; Bogdanov shows
a thundering voice and superb German pronunciation."
- WHRO
Scarpia in Tosca with Arizona Opera
"As Scarpia, Aleksey Bogdanov sang with resounding tones
that carried through the Te Deum's heavy orchestration."
- Opera Today
Lionel in The Maid of Orléans with Odyssey Opera
"Aleksey Bogdanov was a standout for his resonant,
flexible baritone as the Burgundian Knight Lionel."
- The Boston Globe
"Lionel, a role short but intense, enters the scene atfever pitch
which rarely subsides. Aleksey Bogdanov's ringing high baritone
typified the bold warrior, casting an ardent glow."
- Bachtrack.com
"In the brief role of Lionel, Aleksey Bogdanov found the bold strength
of the battle-worn character. His love duet with Joan in Act 3 was
achingly beautiful and made the most of their flash-in-the-pan romance."
- Boston Classical Review
"With his rich, smooth baritone, Aleksey Bogdanov's Lionel
presented the perfect foil as he and Aldrich poured everything they had into the great love duet capturing the myriad of emotions assigned to their characters,
in some of the most beautiful singing of the evening."
- OPERA-L
Jack Rance in La fanciulla del West with Opera Carolina
"Aleksey Bogdanov was both intimidating and sympathetic as Rance, and brought a dark,
rich baritone with plenty of luster to the part."
- Opera News
"Rance's part requires that he distinguish himself among all these other men,
which Bogdanov certainly did; his singing was not only beautiful but characterful."
- The Charlotte Observer
"A tall, handsome man, Mr. Bogdanov's Sheriff was appropriately masculine and multi-dimensional. His baritone is dark toned and large, with a swaggery grit that allowed the singer to cut through the orchestralfabric with apparent ease."
- Newoutpost.com
"As Sheriff Jack Rance, baritone Aleksey Bogdanovis a powerful,
menacing presence -Scarpia - like in his driving urges."
- cvnc.org
"Clad in a suit of a hue that seemed drawn from Lake Tahoe,
Bogdanov was a thrillingly-sung Rance who was all the more dangerous for being so debonair."
- Voix des Arts
"Il tris d'assi degli artisti era completato da Aleksey Bogdanov che ha messo a disposizione di Jack Rance, il viscido Sceriffo, la sua bella voce, di bel timbro scuro e potente."
- l'Opera International Magazine
Scarpia in Tosca with Opera North
"...put in the shade by Aleksey Bogdanov’s superb Scarpia. The Russian–American baritone, in granitic voice, offered star quality in every way. The text was scrupulously shaped, with considerable dynamic range and a musical finesse the role rarely receives. Dark-haired and pale, Bogdanov made as sensual and sexy a Scarpia as we’ve seen since the heyday of Milnes and Díaz: he telegraphed, to both Toscaand his audience, his enjoyment of his own villainy. This near-vampirish concept got unexpected backup froma live bat that dive-bombed Bogdanov."
- Opera News
"Aleksey Bogdanov, as the flagitious Baron Scarpia, crafted a performance of cleverly observed idiosyncrasies and louche gestures. His voice, wonderfully grave and sonorous, gave Scarpia's Act II credo of rough wooing,"Già, mi dicon venal" a richly dripping lasciviousness; and throughout his sadistic cat-and-mouse game withTosca, his head cocked to one side, lips pursed as ifsucking marrow from a bone, Bogdanov's Scarpia wasthe very embodiment of corrosive and unregenerate will-to-power."
- myscena.org
"It is Bogdanov's Scarpia, however, that will never fadefrom memory and could haunt my dreams.From the moment he thunders onto the stage to a chorus of jackboots making their waythrough the audience, he is poisonous.He bullies the sacristan and starts playingmind games with Tosca. His personal brand of evilblossoms in Act II, commanding Cavaradossi's tortureand taunting Tosca with his threats of rape. He is utterly hateful, but never cartoonish.As my companion noted, even his gropingof Tosca is realistic, and it makes the skin crawl."
- ArtfulEdge
"This production is blessed to have Bogdanov, who is as fine an actor as he is a singer. Bogdanov commands attention the minute he comes on stage in Act I, and he holds it all the way through. He pays attention to the small details: there's even a flicker of something that looks, for a mere second, like shame, or at least reflection, when Tosca upbraids him for his coarse cynicism."
- Valley News
"Opera North had a stellar villain in bass-baritone Aleksey Bogdanov with both the physical and vocal presence to terrorize. Bogdanov did this, singing beautifully, and with grandeur. Now that's a villain."
- The Barre Montpellier Times Argus
Anton Rubinstein's The Demon at The Cutler Majestic Theatre
"He's magnificent...with a voice as infinite as those galaxies,
and infinitely attentive to the nuances of his text."
- The Boston Musical Intelligencer
"The vocal excitement of the evening -and I mean excitement - was provided bythe young baritone Aleksey Bogdanov as the Demon. From his opening monologue in whichhe displayed a strong, powerful voice, Bogdanov let you know that he was a singerto pay attention to - and a name to remember -but how could you not? He commanded every scene he was in. And for a Demon,a figure cursed of God, Bogdanov was remarkablysympathetic. He made us see and feel his estrangement from society, even as he wreaked havoc on humans. Bogdanov's voice, rich and articulatethrough its registers, like molten chocolate,makes his conquest believable."
- Berkshire Fine Arts
Nourabad in Les pêcheurs de perles with Tulsa Opera
"Aleksey Bogdanov as the high priest Nourabad more than lived up to the final syllableof the character’s name, played here as anout-and-out villain, complete with bullwhip and maniacal laugh — at times, Bogdanov reminded one of the villain from'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.'"
- Tulsa World
"Russian American baritone Aleksey Bogdanovas the high priest, Nourabad, adds a needed contrast...Bogdanov is a little over-the-top as the villain of the opera,with his maniacal laugh and cracking a huge bullwhip.After all, he is a Brahmin (Hindu) priest pledged to gentleness and to never hurt a living thing.Of course, this is a version of priest that liveson an isolated island, so things might have evolved differently there."
- TheatreJones
Peter in Hansel and Gretel with Washington National Opera
"No voice is more welcome in Hansel and Gretel than baritoneAleksey Bogdanov, richly expressive as the worker who recently scored a basket of goods..."
- BroadwayWorld.com
"More than fine was Aleksey Bogdanov,a Domingo-Cafritz alumnus who is by way of becoming a WNO stalwartthis season; he stood out not only because of his warm and confident singing,but because he, almost alone among the cast, could be understood."
- The Washington Post
"Aleksey Bogdanov's happily tipsy Father lightened the mood."
- Ionarts
"Most impressive vocally was Russian-American baritone Aleksey Bogdanov, who sang joyfully and with great authority."
- The Georgetowner
"The father, played by baritone Aleksey Bogdanov,sings a booming and cheerful role reminiscentof Father Christmas himself."
- DCMetroTheaterArts
"Father Peter, Aleksey Bogdanov, is a wonderfullyhappy-go-lucky father whose soothing baritoneblends impeccably..."
- MDTheaterGuide
Governor George Wallace in Appomattox with Washington National Opera
"Standouts among the really wonderful cast includedAleksey Bogdanov with a pitch-perfect oilinessas George Wallace." - The Washington Post "Matters pick up considerably in Act 2,with the arrival of LBJ... his scenes with George Wallace (a splendidly slimy Aleksey Bogdanov) are hilarious."
- The Wall Street Journal
"Aleksey Bogdanov had a memorable turn as a loathsome George Wallace."
- The Classical Review
"As 'that bastard George Wallace' Aleksey Bogdanov and LBJhave an entertaining scene together, in which LBJ,as was his wont, attempts to physically intimidate Wallace."
- DCMetroTheaterArts
"Aleksey Bogdanov is in fine form as segregationist Governor George Wallace."
- Examiner.com
Escamillo in Carmen with Washington National Opera
"Baritone Aleksey Bogdanov is a robust Escamillo;his rendition of the 'Toreador Song,''Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre,'was full of bravado and confidence.Bogdanov’s performance leaves littledoubt as to how the bullfightercould turn Carmen’s head."
- DCMetroTheaterArts
Sharpless in Madama Butterfly at The Glimmerglass Festival
"Aleksey Bogdanov was a firm-voiced Sharpless, dignified even in despair."
- The New York Times
"Aleksey Bogdanov was a fine Sharpless,delineating the consul's moral dilemmathrough careful attention to the text."
- Opera News
"As Sharpless, Aleksey Bogdanov commandeda handsome dark quality wedded to a solid baritone.His rich singing and effective presence actually made the role memorable."
- Opera Today
"Highest accolades go to baritone Aleksey Bogdanovas Sharpless. His performance was so engaging that,without upstaging his colleagues, he almost shiftedthe opera's focus to his character's own emotional turmoil."
- Broad Street Review
"Aleksey Bogdanov, as Sharpless, makes the consummate diplomat, sympathetic but tragically innefective. He is that rare thing, a thinking singer.He makes clear his every thought process. His voice carries a rich, mature sound..."
- DC Theatre Scene
"Bogdanov's expressive acting and velvety baritone exude empathy..."
- Syracuse Post-Standard
"Aleksey Bogdanov sang Sharpless with uncommon depth and sensitivity. In addition to substantial artistry, he has enormous stage presence and intelligence."
- Operatoonity.com
"Aleksey Bogdanov incarne à merveillel'embarass du consul et sa clairvoyancedevant le comportement de Pinkerton."
- Le Devoir
Eugene Onegin at Edmonton Opera
"Aleksey Bogdanov plays Onegin for the dark sideof the character...and he brings to it a steely,dark-hued baritone, dominating but world-weary..."
- Edmonton Journal
"A strong and dashing figure onstage,I was reminded of Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. He has a rich,full voice that makes you understand why Tatyana loves him and Olga lovesto flirt with him."
- Finster Finds
Escamillo in Carmen at The Atlanta Opera
"Aleksey Bogdanov rounded out the international cast with a confident portrayal of Escamillo. Bogdanov's voice rumbles rivetingly from top to bottom."
- Opera News
"In his Atlanta Opera debut, Aleksey Bogdanov delivereda charming Escamillo with ability and presence,all complimented by the warm textureof his baritone voice."
- Atlanta Examiner
"...an arousing potrayal of Escamillo, the bullfighter and José's rival. Bogdanov's steely voice was penetrating, an acoustic gift to squillo-loving opera fanatics."
- ArtsATL.com
"He was the possessor of an even, well-placed voicecapable of caressing the suave contours of his music.During his altercation with Don José in the third act,he was approporiately debonair and cocky, and reservedhis sweetest tone for his final exchanges with Carmen.Looks wise, he exuded a dangerous sexuality onstage."
- newoutpost.com
Escamillo in Carmen at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
"Aleksey Bogdanov had all the moxie neededto voice a preening, pompous Escamillo.His tightly focused, riveting baritone made short order of the Toreador song..."
- Opera Today
"Aleksey Bogdanov is an ideal Escamillo - a preening, self-satisfied showoff who understands exactly what he's getting into with Carmen. His Act Two 'Toreador Song' has all the swagger and flash you could wish for."
- KDHX.org
"As Carmen's second conquest, Escamillo,Aleksey Bogdanov did a fine job of backing upthe toreador's swagger with a strong bass-baritone."
- Oregon Music News
"Aleksey Bogdanov's robust and melodic rendering of Escamillo is spot-on."
- Riverfront Times
"Making his first appearance with Opera Theatre of St. Louis since 2008 is Aleksey Bogdanov as Escamillo. His solos are simply incredible. He vibrantly drenches Escamillo in extreme bravado and joyful boastfulness..."
- KDHX.org
"He made the most of his big tune, the 'Toreador' song; his distinctly Slavic vocal production will make him a natural for the big Russian roles one day."
- Saint Louis Post-Dispatch
Don Giovanni at Washington National Opera
"Bogdanov as Don Giovanni was insistently defiant and commanding."
- The Washington Post
"Bogdanov especially - a fine actor and singer,brought to life everything he did.He could have given lessons to someof his fellow cast members."
- Seen and Heard International
"Aleksey Bogdanov, an alumnus of WNO's Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, was the fresh-voiced, vivid Masetto."
- Opera News
"Aleksey Bogdanov proved himself a fine Mozartean."
- Opera Warhorses
Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro at Washington National Opera
"Figaro and Count were nicely contrasted -the former sung with distinctive color andaffability by baritone Aleksey Bogdanov."- The Washington Post "Bogdanov stole the show with his voluminous vocals,comedic timing, and ability to move - even roll aroundthe stage while holding a note."
- NBCWashington.com
Escamillo in Carmen at The Glimmerglass Festival
"Aleksey Bogdanov, the delight of the evening,is a barrel-chested baritone with an incrediblypowerful voice...world-class vocal technique and commanding stage presence.The audience showered him with a lengthy ovation...Bogdanov was built for this role."
- Operapulse.com
"The toreador was portrayed with assurance byAleksey Bogdanov. An imposing figure, Bogdanovexuded charisma. His "Toreador Song" was clearly the hit of the evening."
- Ithaca Times
Doctor/Boilermaker in Heart of Darkness with Opera Parallèle
"Baritone Aleksey Bogdanov was a hearty, funny Boilermaker." - San Francisco Classical Voice "Bogdanov's low notes as Doctor and Boilermaker were forceful yet humorous."
- Opera Tattler