“Samuel Boden does so with bright high pitched tenor, an angelic voice that exudes innocence and reports with icy coldness of the brutal torture and the shooting of Mortimer”Oper Aktuell, 18 April 2019 “With his mellifluous tenor, and evidently very comfortable in the high register … Samuel Boden is as ready to inhabit the youth of the Son as to shed his psychological skin in the compelling finale where he asserts his power by avenging the death of a father whose body is still warm. ” Forum Opera, 7 April 2019
George Benjamin’s Lessons in Love and Violence has been nominated for an Olivier Award in the category Best New Opera Production. This darkly dramatic new opera was a major event in contemporary music – the latest collaboration between composer George Benjamin and playwright Martin Crimp. Conducted by Benjamin, the world premiere of Lessons in Love and Violence took place at the Royal Opera House in May 2018 and starred an internationally renowned cast including baritone Stéphane Degout as King Edward II, soprano Barbara Hannigan as Queen Isabel, baritone Gyula Orendt as Gaveston, tenor Peter Hoare as Mortimer and Samuel Boden as Boy / Young...
“…Samuel Boden’s lithe and graceful tenor in [the] Domine deus duet, a moment of serene reflection” “…a lovely, plangent Benedictus from Boden” Bachtrack, 3rd February 2019
Samuel Boden as Boy/Young King, Barrington-Cook and Barbara Hannigan – Lessons in Love and Violence: ROH May 2018. Photo by Stephen Cummiskece “…one can only admire the valiant ensemble performance, with…tenor Samuel Boden’s pure-toned royal successor…making the most of [his] very demanding part…” Independent, 11th May 2018 “Samuel Boden makes a pivotal contribution as the Boy” What’s on Stage, 11th May 2018 “For the cast, I have nothing but praise:…Sam Boden makes his mark as the boy king with a nasty surprise up his royal sleeve.” The Telegraph, 11th May 2018 “Samuel Boden is inspired casting as the Boy, growing...
“…Samuel Boden’s sweetly eloquent ‘Audi coelum’ (with sensitive echoes from Benedict Hymas) are exceptionally beautiful.”Gramophone May 2018
I have been featured in an article written by Clare Colvin for Express in which we discuss the role of Boy / Young King which George Benjamin created for me in his latest opera Lessons in Love and Violence. The piece will premier at the Royal Opera House on 10th May 2018.
