Handel: Solomon (title role)

 

Violons du Roy, Québec & Montréal | March 2014

 

Marie-Nicole Lemieux, as Solomon, provided a performance of vocal and musical distinction, but what was revelatory was her dramatic range and level of characterization. From her opening accompanied recitative “Almighty Power”, Lemieux provided a dazzling vocal display of unequivocal beauty. Armed with a limpid legato, intuitive musicality, expertly shaped and shaded phrasing and an awe-inspiring palette of expressive colours, she was almost operatic in her ability to sustain a character throughout the oratorio’s duration. Most impressive was her wondrous Act I aria, “Haste ,to the cedar grove” in which she plumbed every possible emotional level.

Richard Turp | Bachtrack, March 23, 2014

 

La contralto Marie-Nicole Lemieux, l’interprète du rôle-titre, se révèle la clé de voûte de l’édifice, le centre de gravité de l’oeuvre. On dirait que la confiance, la ferveur et l’autorité qu’elle dégage se communiquent à ses partenaires de scène avant de rallier toute la salle.

Richard Boisvert | La Presse, March 22, 2014