Hymel returns to NOLA for Sinai benefit concert

New Orleans native Bryan Hymel returns to Temple Sinai for a benefit concert, “Love Infinite,” on March 13 at 6 p.m.

Temple Sinai Cantor Joel Colman said Hymel has burst onto the international opera scene and is “one of the leading tenors in the world now.” While he attended Loyola University, he sang in Sinai’s High Holy Days choir and has maintained a friendship with Rabbi Edward Cohn, who is retiring this year.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Edward P. Cohn Rabbi Emeritus Chair and the Temple Sinai Cantor’s Music Fund.

He began this season at the Metropolitan Opera as Rodolfo in “La Bohème” before making his debut at Deutsche Oper Berlin for performances of “Rigoletto” in March. He finishes the season by returning to the Opéra National de Paris for performances of “La Traviata.”

On the concert stage, Hymel appears with the PKF – Prague Philharmonia for concerts in Prague’s Smetana Hall and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, as well as for a special recital in London’s Wigmore Hall.

Hymel is the winner of the 2013 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera for his trio of performances in “Les Troyens,” “Robert le diable” and “Rusalka” at London’s Royal Opera House.

An exclusive recording artist for Warner Classics, his first solo album “Héroïque” debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Classical Music chart, and earned Hymel the coveted Georges Thill Prize by the Académie Nationale du Disque Lyrique and the Newcomer of the Year Award from ECHO Klassik.

Also appearing in the Temple Sinai concert will be acclaimed soprano Irini Kyriakidou, Hymel’s wife. Marcus St. Julien will be the accompanist, and Colman will sing a duet from “Carmen” with Hymel.

Tickets are $35 for general admission, $30 in advance. Student tickets are $10. Patron level is $150, and sponsor level is $250. Patrons and sponsors get preferred seating and a post-concert reception with the artists. Doors and will-call will open at 5 p.m.

Above: La Bohème at the Metropolitan Opera (Cory Weaver/The Metropolitan Opera)