Méphistophélès
Faust
The devil who opened the door: Méphistophélès was Christian Van Horn’s first full opera role, at Yale Opera in 2001. He returned to Gounod’s Faust with North Carolina Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Opéra national de Paris.
First full opera role
At Yale Opera, Christian sang Méphistophélès in Faust—the first complete opera role of his career.
The devil on stage
Four excerpts from the Paris Opera production, plus a 2026 gala performance in Riga.
On the concert stage
Christian Van Horn at a Latvian National Opera gala concert in Riga, Latvia.
Where I’ve sung
Five engagements, from Yale Opera to Raleigh, Chicago, and two Paris productions.
First full opera role.
Coming performances
Two announced Méphistophélès engagements in distinct works.
Wiener Staatsoper
Méphistophélès in Berlioz’s La Damnation de Faust.
Performance details ↗Bayerische Staatsoper
Méphistophélès in Gounod’s Faust.
Production details ↗Critical voices
On Méphistophélès in Chicago and Paris.
“Sinister debonair charm.”
On the Chicago Méphistophélès.
“Uses his peppery voice and body language to perfection.”
Hedy Weiss on the Chicago performance.
“Remarkable command and ability to adapt his voice.”
On Van Horn’s dramatic and vocal range.
“Sinister darkness and total control vocally.”
Review of the Paris Opera film.
“Parfait de méchanceté ironique et totalement glaçant.”
“Perfect in his ironic wickedness and utterly chilling.” Translated from French.
“Fait son plein effet en Méphistophélès.”
“Makes his full impact as Méphistophélès.” Translated from French.
Méphistophélès in images
Chicago and Paris production views from the role archive.
More production photographs and cast details are in the Paris Opera archive ↗ and Lyric Opera archive ↗.
Yale Opera, 2001
Early photographs of the Méphistophélès that began Christian’s work in complete opera roles.
