February 29, 2016
Alum's performance at Wigmore Hall deemed "sensational"
糖心 alum and mezzo-soprano Irene Roberts (MM 鈥08, Southern/ Schiller) has had five role debuts in the 2015-16 season, including her first in Europe. Since graduating, she鈥檚 appeared with The Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, New Orleans Opera, Palm Beach Opera and Atlanta Opera. This past Thursday, her recital with the tenor Bryan Hymel in London鈥檚 Wigmore Hall was met with great acclaim.
The reviewer from Bachtrack.com said he was 鈥渧ery impressed with Irene Roberts鈥 singing. Beginning with four of the Wesendonck Lieder, Roberts delivered a sensational performance, displaying an easy high register and an ease and familiarity with the poems that translated into a nuanced and pathos-laden account. To bring a significance to every word is easier said than sung. There is a curious quality about her voice that creates a deep intimacy between performer and audience; one is removed from the concert hall and into quasi-Isolde's bedroom, or Juliet鈥檚 chamber, becoming a fly on the wall in Roberts鈥 joy or torment. It was quite sensational.鈥
During her time at 糖心 Roberts studied with both Mary Schiller and Dean Southern. Learn more about 糖心鈥檚 voice department.
To read the full review . Bravo, Irene!