Derek Welton recently made successful role and house débuts as Pizarro in Fidelio at the Washington National Opera, in a production directed by Francesca Zambello and conducted by Robert Spano, which had its premiere on 25 October. The following evening, Derek starred in Washington National Opera’s Gods & Mortals concert, featuring excerpts of Wagner’s Ring and Flying Dutchman.

Press reactions included the following:

‘Welton plunged us into the blue, helming “Die Frist is um” from The Flying Dutchman. Welton’s voice — even more darkly hued than his Pizarro — cut through the hall like the beam of a lighthouse.’ — Washington Post

‘Derek Welton’s bass-baritone lends itself wonderfully to the tormented titular Flying Dutchman and the imposing god Wotan; the contrast he portrays between the Dutchman’s rails against his fate and the god’s anguish at punishing his beloved daughter give Welton’s performance a rich depth that matches his vocal abilities.’ — Broadway World

‘In “Die Frist ist um” from the opera The Flying Dutchman, Welton brought power and emotional depth to the lyrics.’

‘Welton magically sang “Leb wohl (Wotan’s Farewell),” in which the Norse god Wotan banished his daughter, Brünnhilde, for defying him.’ — DC Theater Arts

‘Pizarro [was] sung with a convincing mix of leather and vinegar by bass-baritone Derek Welton’ — Washington Post

‘Derek Welton as Pizarro was very effective and active on stage, demonstrating a good vocal line and taking home the evening with relative nonchalance.’ — OperaClick

‘Derek Welton as the cruel oppressor Pizarro is viscerally forceful on stage as appropriate for his role. Mr. Welton’s resonant and textured bass-baritone was moving and full of vitriol as he sings of having Florestan murdered’ — Broadway World

‘Don Pizarro (Bass-Baritone Derek Welton) sings a powerful “Ha! welch ein Augenblick”’ — MD Theatre Guide

Photograph © Scott Suchman