Reviews

IOCO-Kultur (September 11, 2023)

"Yoshiaki Kimura’s Klingsor stood in sharp contrast to the pure Parsifal. Portraying a character driven by malice and a thirst for power, his powerful and resonant bass-baritone exuded an authoritative presence that dominated the entire stage. Kimura’s secure vocal technique created an atmosphere thick with the intensity of hatred, leaving the audience profoundly captivated."

(2020: Theater Bielefeld)

Westfalen-Blatt (March 2, 2020)

"Yoshiaki Kimura was the absolute ruler of this production, maintaining an omnipresent presence throughout... With his overwhelming physical stature and vocal power, he held the performance in total command from the opening notes to the final moment."

Neue Westfälische (March 2, 2020)

"The role of Méphistophélès could well have been written specifically for Yoshiaki Kimura. His sense of comedy, vocal stability, expressive acting, and persuasive gestures all converged into his charismatic role as a 'showmaster' navigating a world tilted off its axis."

nmz online (March 4, 2020)

"Above all, Yoshiaki Kimura masterfully navigated the specific challenges of this role. Appearing as a 'horror-style Méphistophélès' who was constantly in motion—manipulating the narrative across all five acts—he delivered a physically athletic performance complemented by outstanding acting. Most impressively, he achieved all this while maintaining truly magnificent vocal delivery."

(2019: Theater Bielefeld)

Kulturführer Ostwestfalen-Lippe (September 30, 2019)

"Yoshiaki Kimura possesses a powerful resonance that fills the entire hall!"

O-Ton.online (Rebecca Hoffmann, October 28, 2019)

"With his stylish bass-baritone, Yoshiaki Kimura proved to be ideal casting for a Figaro who must be more than just a mere 'schemer'."

Theater Pur (September 30, 2019)

"In the title role, Yoshiaki Kimura’s performance ascended into a grand-scale vocal display of power as the night progressed, his vocal lines becoming increasingly stylish and refined."

Neue Westfälische (October 5, 2019)

"His versatile voice brilliantly depicted a protagonist swaying between clumsiness and humor."

(2018: Theater Bielefeld)

Der Opernfreund (March 2018)

"Yoshiaki Kimura (Alberich) resonated with a truly impressive voice in the expansive phrases."

Neue Westfälische (March 2018)

"Alberich, the power-hungry figure obsessed with ambition and ultimately defeated by his own vanity—Yoshiaki Kimura embodied this character to perfection."

(2018: Rudolf-Oetker-Halle)

"The standout was bass-baritone Yoshiaki Kimura, a member of the theater’s ensemble since 2014. He interpreted this meticulously researched and extremely demanding part with overflowing passion, precise restraint, a touch of irony, and magnificent vocal volume. His singing, which stood firm against the most intense orchestral attacks, was truly breathtaking. As he uttered the words, 'Woe to him who is alone!', he led the audience into the intermission with a profound impact."

(Mannheim / Bielefeld)

"The principal cast was exceptional. Among them, the Japanese baritone Yoshiaki Kimura—who honed his craft in Tokyo and Karlsruhe and is currently pursuing his Konzertexamen at the Trossingen University of Music—delivered a commanding presence. He brilliantly embodied the role of Figaro through his firm vocalism, crystal-clear diction, and a performance that was impossible not to be charmed by. It is only natural that Theater Bielefeld promptly decided to invite him back for the following season."