Mar 19 2020

‘Samson and Delilah’ began its run at the Washington National Opera on March 1, 2020. Playing lead role of Delilah, J’Nai received high praise from the press, even though the run was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. See below for some highlights!

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“The headline draw was American mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, as Delilah, making her WNO debut. Her instrument and talent were striking…. her low notes were great, elemental things, seeming to roll through the auditorium, her high range all sharply milled gunmetal.” (The Washington Post)

 

“This was the sort of blazingly successful debut that heralds a major star. Bridges, who also made her Metropolitan Opera debut this season, sang the role of the Philistine temptress with astounding technique, from a molasses-rich chest voice up to puissant heights.” (Washington Classical Review)

 

“Mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges owns this opera in the role of Dalila. Stretching out her arms to spread the sumptuous wings of her gown, she appeared as a palatial goddess as she sang of retribution in glowing, lush tones… her magnetism was undeniable.” (Bachtrack)

 

“Bridges’ Delilah is a diva. She knows it, she loves it, she flaunts it. Her power intoxicates her.” (DC Metro Theatre Arts)

 

“Her dark and rich mezzo-soprano was built for the famous pieces in the Saint-Saëns work, from “Printemps qui commence” (“Spring begins”) to “Mon coeur s’ouvre à ta voix” (“My heart opens itself to your voice”).” (Broadway World)

 

“Anchoring the production as Delilah is J’Nai Bridges, a mezzo with a rapidly ascendant career trajectory.” (Washington City Paper)

 

“She is, as been said about many originals, “the real deal.” (The Georgetowner)