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Reviews

Il Barbiere di Siviglia at Washington National Opera

30 Apr 2018 / in Reviews

“Isabel Leonard made a feisty, comely Rosina, her snappy repartee supported by incisive comic timing. The American mezzo-soprano’s voice has broadened and warmed considerably, filling out in volume and smoothing over the chinks in the many florid runs.” Washington Classical Review

Le Nozze di Figaro at the Metropolitan Opera

31 Dec 2017 / in Reviews

“The real strength of Friday’s performance was the tightness of the comedy—the actors played off each other delightfully, and every moment seemed to land perfectly. Chief in this department was Isabel Leonard, who is now a reliable old hand as Cherubino, stealing the show every time she takes on this role, and drawing constant roars […]

SFGate: Mahler and Mozart with Michael Tilson Thomas

25 Nov 2017 / in Reviews

“Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard did double duty, coming in to sing the finale of the Mahler in gilt-edged phrases after concluding the first half of the concert with a crisp, warmly expressive account of Mozart’s early motet “Exsultate, jubilate.” Leonard imparted a wealth of unusual new colorations to both works, injecting just a tinge of earthiness […]

The Cliburn at the Kimbell

19 Nov 2017 / in Reviews

“Leonard has an outstanding résumé, having sung with opera companies from Fort Worth to Santa Fe, Paris to the Met, as well as with an impressive array of orchestras. It was easy to see why, as soon as she opened her mouth to sing. Throughout her almost two-hour recital, Leonard displayed an agile, versatile voice, […]

Alma Española reviews

23 Oct 2017 / in Reviews

“Isabel Leonard and Sharon Isbin illuminate Spanish art songs in orbit around Lorca and Falla by mixing popular favourites and surprising discoveries with two jewelled pieces for solo guitar.  In each of the nine Lorca songs, reflecting the poet/composer’s commitment to speaking with the voices and instruments of the people, Leonard and Isbin find and intensify their […]