Loge - Das Rheingold Reviews (2025 Regents’ Opera Ring)
The Guardian
‘James Schouten’s sinuous and articulate Loge’
Seen and Heard International
‘A fine Loge will always steal the show; James Schouten accomplished that and more in as complete a performance as I can recall on any stage, from Bayreuth to Bethnal Green. His palpable commitment was truly infectious—and surely a first-class invitation to consider words, music, and their meaning in a production that was text-driven in the fullest sense. (So many fall into the trap of thinking ‘text’ refers only to words—and in Wagner of all composers.)’
Bachtrack
https://bachtrack.com/review-rheingold-woodward-staunton-regents-opera-york-hall-february-2025
‘James Schouten didn’t so much boss the show as put a rocket under what was already a strong performance and propel it into orbit. The role is normally sung by a relatively light, character tenor, which Schouten is definitely not, being a former baritone (a convert from the dark side, as singers say). His Loge was the linchpin of the opera, sung at full dramatic throttle and with an almost music-hall swagger – a real thrill to behold.’
The Stage
‘James Schouten triumphs as the half-god Loge. Sporting sunglasses and punk-style clothing and make-up, Schouten’s Loge is all sharp attitude, obedient to his god-masters and yet contemptuous and pitying of them at the same time.’
Music OMH
‘With his bright tenor, James Schouten is a splendid Loge. Whether he is dancing in a trancelike state, or observing affairs from afar while feeling nothing but disdain, he is the ultimate trickster.’
Opera Today
https://operatoday.com/2025/02/das-rheingold-kicks-off-regents-operas-ring-in-a-ring/
‘I found Loge’s ballet-like gyrations and twerking unsettling, but as sung by James Schouten this was a commanding performance. His insinuations to Wotan (“Was ein Dieb stahl, das stiehlst du dem Dieb“) were full of vibrancy and conviction, with a metallic edge to his gleaming upper register that supported all his vocal fire-power.’
Reviews Gate
James Schouten’s Loge is a stand-out commedia-dell’arte turn that provides an extra flourish to the proceedings.
Classical Source
https://www.classicalsource.com/concert/regent-operas-das-rheingold/
The other dominant force was James Schouten’s complex portrayal of demi-god Loge, sung with charm, wit and dramatic insouciance; his attractive tenor sounding more heroic than is often the case when character-tenors take the role on. This was an outstanding assumption on any terms; he’s a singer with a career to watch for sure.