For interpretive sophistication and the romantic appeal of his “baritenor” sound, Michael Spyres is a singer worth a long detour, whether for his Berlioz, his Mozart, or any number of other international repertoire. The idea of him singing Lohengrin, Knight of the White Swan, on the French side of the Rhine is especially intriguing. This is territory where local practice once favored Wagner de-Teutonified in satiny Gallic translation. Wagner en français isn’t an option today, of course. Still, as a scholar and a star hip to the cultural cross currents, Spyres may be depended on to be thinking out of the box. —Matthew Gurewitsch