Review Excerpts

SEATTLE OPERA
 – Ariadne auf Naxos
 

“Monique McDonald, as the grieving Ariadne, demonstrated immense potential”

Seattle Post-Intelligencer, March , 2004

LINCOLN CENTER
 – American Songbook
 

“Monique McDonald and Camellia Johnson infused “Summer,” a gorgeous swatch of Sondheimesque impressionism, with a voluptuous warmth.  Ms. McDonald lifted “Stars,” a dreamy lullaby by Hughes, to the stratosphere.”

The New York Times, 2002

THE CONNELLY THEATRE
 – Only Heaven
 

“Monique McDonald, who of all the soloists, was the best able to be expressive with her powerful voice.”

The New York Times, January 2001

BERKSHIRE CHORAL FESTIVAL
 – Opera Gala
 

“Soprano Monique McDonald captivated her audience both as Mascagni’s heroine Iris and Verdi’s Aida in the triumphal scene from Act II, one of the composer’s finest and most imposing ensembles.  McDonald, whose presence and power cannot help but to call to mind a young Jessye Norman…She is without a doubt a rapidly rising star, whose sphere of magnetism will increase.”

Springfield Union News, July  2000

JUILLIARD OPERA CENTER
 – Cosi Fan Tutte

“Among those sure to make waves on the operatic circuit was Monique McDonald, who brought an innate musicality and fine sense of theater to her powerful and exquisitely composed Fiordiligi.”

Birmingham Post-Herald, May 1999

OPERA DELAWARE
 – Eugene Onegin
 

“As Tatyana, Monique McDonald…sang throughout with heartfelt assurance.  Catching the emotional currents of the letter scene, McDonald poured out her opulent soprano with rapturous intensity.”

Opera News, February 1999