In the spring of 2025, Lawrence Brownlee returned to the Metropolitan Opera as Count Almaviva in Bartlett Sher's production of Il Barbiere di Siviglia alongside Davide Luciano, Isabel Leonard, Nicola Alaimo, and Alexander Vinogradov. His performance received high critical praise, see below for the highlights:
His singing is a model of projection, velocity, dynamic, breath control, and stylistic elegance; every note is in place and every word tells...his is a performance to savor — and for younger singers to emulate. -Classical Voice North America
[a] radiant tenor...he was easygoing and enthusiastic all night as his characterization moved from the broadly comic to the intensely passionate. His flexible, firmly focused voice with its faultless coloratura, glistened in “Ecco ridente in cielo”...his long, lyrical phrases added sincerity to the fervent emotions he expressed. -Bachtrack
Brownlee was perhaps the star of the show...He was light-footed and good-natured all night, moving quickly from broad comedy to sincerity. -New York Classical Review
Brownlee’s Count was tense and temperamental, although his tenor was meltingly beautiful in ‘Ecco, ridente in cielo’ as he serenaded Rosina. Lawrence was at his best and funniest as Don Alonso, where his demeanor and voice were all lightness and joy, as was his rapid-fire coloratura and ringing high notes. -Seen and Heard International
...an inspired, comical, and dedicated Almaviva...his technique is undeniable, and he even triumphed in the dreaded tour de force of the cabaletta "Cessa di più resistere," performed with poise, humor, and vocal audacity. -Opera World
