Sondra Radvanovsky in Concert: The Puccini Heroines Reviews

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...An opera solo performance is historically akin to a rock concert: an acclaimed star takes the stage for adoring fans. In this day and age, a diva doing two sets of opera greatest hits may have a more dignified vibe then say typical Adele or Taylor, but the crowd at the Lyric Opera House for Sandra Radvanovsky’s The Puccini Heroines this week was loud and appreciative if not rowdy."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Radvanovsky has a great rapport with Mazzola, especially during the funnier arias, as well as with the audience. She provides brief commentary on her history with a few of the selections and how they inspired her choices, as well as their place in the contemporary musical landscape. Radvanovsky says she particularly enjoys playing characters like the bold Tosca, and that's evident in her vocal power. The concert's climax is Turandot's "In questa reggia," an extremely dramatic moment during which Radvanovsky captures the character's power and her fear of vulnerability, her anger, and her loneliness. It's a great role for her and a demonstration of why Puccini still endures after over a hundred years."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...It was an incredibly interesting night of music, spanning Puccini's career and incorporating both well-known and lesser-known musical pieces and arias from his operas. The evening commenced with the orchestra under Mazzoli's masterful baton playing the Prelude from "Le Villi," a seldom-performed early opera. Then Radvanovsky, resplendent in a red gown and carrying a bouquet of flowers, began her portion of the evening with the delicate strains of "Se come voi piccina," heroine Anna from "Le Villi's" aria. It served as a perfect warm-up, showcasing Radvanovsky's creamy and lush voice."