"When it comes from soprano Barbara Quintiliani, one great aria can do wonders for a concert, as was the case during Opera International's Sunday evening Operatic Vocal Gala Concert at the Music Center at Strathmore.
"The bel canto program's pre-intermission hallmarks were wooden delivery and labored singing, particularly from baritone Chen-ye Yuan. Though director-pianist Kelly Kuo focused on "serious music" -- a touch of "Don Pasquale" humor would have been welcome -- the genre's innate drama seemed dormant. While the runs and trills of Bellini and Donizetti can be the height of expressive vocalism, without complete technical stability and conviction, they sound all too similar to exercises.
"Nearly halfway through, however, came a turning point as dramatic as the switch from sustained arias to florid cabalettas: Quintiliani let loose an ideal rendition of "Vivi ingrato" from Donizetti's "Roberto Devereux." Many voices possess some warmth, but Quintiliani's exudes it, from smoldering chest notes to an extraordinary, white-hot high C, the power and beauty of which will not be found elsewhere. "
- Washington Post (Ronni Reich)
