Nathan Gunn: Baritone Hunk of Opera

[NedNickerson]

http://jockohomo.tumblr.com/post/262699570/opera-barihunks-hit-a-muscular-note-toned
"Toned physiques like Nathan Gunn’s are getting a standing ovation in the genre’s usually buttoned-up world. He told the L.A. Times; “When [nudity] becomes vulgar, it gets boring … But in opera, what’s interesting is that if it’s done well, if it’s within the context of the story, there’s a subtlety to it that becomes very erotic, especially when it’s coupled with singing.”

Gunn embraces opera's turn toward a new physicality, and as a 6-foot former college athlete, the baritone is more than able to make his mark on the trend.

"I'd like to take a little bit of responsibility for this nightmare."

The source of that generous offer is far from evil. If anything, Nathan Gunn is the dimpled picture of Midwestern nice guy-ness -- think a younger, darker Russell Crowe without the edge. That's why he's volunteering to take the fall for men like himself -- opera's tantalizing new breed of baritone known as "barihunks."

They're known for their great bods and for breathless blogs written by devoted admirers. Bearers of great pecs and pipes, barihunks like Matthew Worth and Tom Forde are bringing high art to the masses in a universally appealing form. And the dark-haired Gunn, all 6 broadly muscled feet of him, is king of that particular hill -- as well as the "Barber of Seville." In his third appearance with LA Opera, he sings the role of Figaro in the Rossini classic opening today.

More:
http://www.latimes.com/entertainmen...ment/news/arts+(Los+Angeles+Times+-+The+Arts)

Nathan Gunn in "Billy Budd"

William Burden and Nathan Gunn in "The Pearl Fishers"


Nathan Gunn and Patricia Racette in "American Tragedy"


Another site of interest: BariHunks Blog
http://barihunks.blogspot.com/2009/11/la-times-opera-barihunks-hit-muscular.html

Nathan Gunn in "Camelot" If Ever I Would Leave You

 

[gsdx]

William Burden has quite the voice, too. I wish they had done more of The Pearl Fishers. I love that piece.

 

[fabulouslyghetto]

I thought I was the Baritone Hunk of Opera.

 

[braex27]

Oh.... Nathan Gunn is hot. How many other male opera singers are known for their bodies as well as their voice?!

More pics here:

http://barihunks.blogspot.com/2007/11/nathan-gunn.html

 

[Hellax24]

Thanx for the pics Braex and everyone. He is beautiful.

CXXX

 

[operafan]

Think it was Gunn who did a very athletic Papageno at the Met which I saw several years ago.

 

[NedNickerson]

Think it was Gunn who did a very athletic Papageno at the Met which I saw several years ago.

 

[chatolandia]

Well there was this tenor that appeared nude, that was very hunky

and Netrekbo's husband is very muscular

it seems that opera singers are starting to look more and more like Soap Opera actors...

 

[PabloZed]

I never read Billy Budd, but isn't that gay?

 

[carniolus]

Hmmm... why didn't the local Barbiere over here have that chest and abs the other night?! That would be at least one redeeming quallity to the performance...


ah well... while we're in the territory of opera hunks it might be in place to recount the Spoleto production of Ercole sul Termodonte that featured Zachary Stains' anatomy rather prominently




...unfortunately his singing didn't quite match the role. Ah well, can't have everything I guess!