Union Avenue Opera - St. Louis, Missouri

Elise LaBarge as Giannetta in L’elisir d’amore.

“Brian Thorsett, whose big lovable lug of a Nemorino offered goofy charm, a heart of gold and a gorgeous voice.” – St. Louis Post Dispatch

”[Victoria] Botero has a canary-esque coloratura soprano that proved clear and reliable, and her transformation from heartless flirt to true love was sweetly done.”- St. Louis Post Dispatch

“Bill McMurray’s quick-thinking Dr. Dulcamara was a fine foil to the rest of the cast. ” – St. Louis Post Dispatch

“Conductor Scott Schoonover kept things spirited and moving at sprightly, well-chosen tempos.” – St. Louis Post Dispatch

Sarah Lambert as Carmen.

“Stage director Jolly Stewart offered some nice touches…Scenic designer Patrick Huber’s unit set worked exceptionally well.” – St. Louis Post Dispatch

“Union Avenue Opera’s production of Carmen does not disappoint.” – KDHX

“Sarah Lambert ruled the stage as Carmen.” – KDHX

“Patricia Johnson was particularly outstanding as Micaela.” – KDHX

Brian Landry and Christia Starnes in Otello.

“Christia Starnes exuded a warm and glowing Desdemona, made all the more poignant by the audience’s awareness of her impending death at the end of the opera. Peter Hakjoon Kim, as Iago, provided an excellent foil to Brian Landry as Otello.” – KDHX

“The choral ensemble in this production shone brilliantly from their opening salvo in the first act to the opera’s close, displaying remarkable blending and pitch accuracy. As always, the UAO orchestra performed nimbly and accurately.” – KDHX

“Director Mark James Meir juxtaposes boldly intense choral parts against vividly dramatic arias.” – The River Front Times