Jennifer Rhys-Davies - soprano
"...a vintage cast of experienced Brittenites - ....Jennifer Rhys-Davies as his neurotic would-be mother-in-law - give excellent support..." Mrs Julian, Owen Wingrave, ROH - Sunday Times, 2007
“Director James Conway is fortunate in having Anne Mason and Jennifer Rhys-Davies. Both sensitively sing off words…Rhys-Davies encompassing Elizabeth’s wide-ranging ‘fioriture’ with meaningful ease. The highly charged meeting of the two is hair-raising.” Elizabeth, Maria Stuarda, ETO - The Stage, 2005
“….the two leads turn in a pair of exceptionally powerful performances: characterisation through singing is everything. The odds are against the success of this new ETO repertoire – but it is dynamite.”
Elizabeth, Maria Stuarda, ETO - The Times, 2005
“It’s success is due partly to director James Conway, partly to two exceptional central performances…the rival queens are both profoundly tragic, complex figures..” Elizabeth, Maria Stuarda, ETO – The Guardian, 2005
“Jennifer Rhys-Davies…hurled herself at the high notes with success and spun the long lines as well as the tricky runs with considerable aplomb. She also presented a striking Elizabeth visually: proud, passionate, and determined.”
Elizabeth, Maria Stuarda, ETO – Opera Magazine, 2005
“Their singing though kept my attention…Rhys-Davies deployed the pyrotechnics with some aplomb, dispatching her fury rashly (and quite excitingly) above the stave.” Elizabeth, Maria Stuarda, ETO - The Independent, 2005
“…starring two of Britain’s most underused divas….sparks really fly in their encounter at Fotheringay Park…it’s an electrifying scene.”
Elizabeth, Maria Stuarda, ETO - The Sunday Times, 2005