Category: Reviews

“Despite a predicted ice storm, her fans filled the audience…. The highly popular singer presented three sets of songs, two in Spanish — ‘Tres Poemas de Gabriela Mistral’ by Wayland Rogers and ‘Suite for Soprano and Violin’ by Hector Villa-Lobos, as well [as] one in English — ‘The Life of the Bee,’ for Soprano, Cello [...]

“Areyzaga caressed the lulling lines of text, creating a calm yet vivid portrait of a summer evening. She sang with a light yet clear-toned voice, completely avoiding an annoying or stilting effect.” —M.L. Rantala – Hyde Park Herald, November 29, 2012 (Soloist with the Chicago Ensemble) 

“Areyzaga’s rendition of ‘Glitter and Be Gay’ was easily the highlight of the set. Her sense of comic irony brought laughter as she pulled baubles from her bosom, and her spectacular coloratura singing shone brightly in this devilishly difficult number.” —Gene Harris – Richmond Times Dispatch, October 1, 2012 (Soloist with the Richmond Symphony)

“Without undue histrionics, Areyzaga drew us into her songs like a gifted storyteller. In pairs of songs by Duparc and Chausson, she explored various layers of melancholy. A sense of almost angry resignation suffused Chausson’s  Le Temps de Lilas (The Time of Lilacs) while her sorrow was more rapt and ethereal in his Nos souveniers (Our Memories). In six [...]

“Michelle Areyzaga held her own as the queen’s confidante, whose arias might have gone unnoticed were Areyzaga not making vocal points.” —Parterre Box, May 2012 (As Ismene in New York City Opera’s “Orpheus”)

“Smaller roles were strongly cast, especially soprano Michelle Areyzaga’s warmly lyrical Ismene.” —Judith Malafronte – Opera News, May 2012 (As Ismene in New York City Opera’s “Orpheus”)

"Michelle Areyzaga's bright soprano soared over the forces thrillingly in the dramatic moments . . . There were some bright spots like the majestic opening Kyrie and Areyzaga's sweetly sung solo in the concluding Agnus Dei." —Lawrence Johnson - Chicago Classical Review, November 6, 2011 (Soloist with the Chicago Master Singers and Ars Viva Symphony)

"The area's reigning soprano, Michelle Areyzaga...." —Pioneer Local, Choral Society treats 'burbs to Bach's B minor", June 9, 2011 (Soloist with North Shore Choral Society)

"Of the vocal soloists, the most impressive singing came from the ever-dependable soprano Michelle Areyzaga in a radiant and fluent "Laudamus te," as well as in her "Christe eleison" duet" —John von Rhein - Chicago Tribune, Chorus musters honorable effort on behalf of Bach's towering B minor Mass, June 13, 2011 (Soloist with North Shore [...]

"Areyzaga has a gleaming voice, expertly pitched and she sang with great heart. Even with the orchestral’s full force behind her, she sailed through, her tone suffused with light." —Dorothy Andries - Winnetka Sun Times, Perfect Storm of Harmonies from Lake Forest Symphony, May 25, 2011 (Soloist with Lake Forest Symphony)