OPERAWIRE:

"For speaking characters, the greatest challenge for singers remains striking a balance between popular and classical styles. Spanish mezzo-soprano Patricia Illera deserves praise for her remarkable feat in maintaining this balance, particularly in her rendition of “Yo soy Maria.” Her dark, powerful, yet supple, velvety voice captivates the listener. The scene with the psychiatrists is also memorable, during which she varies between speaking and singing, and singing and speaking again, without ever straying from the rhythm imposed by the orchestral ensemble."

Read the full interview here. www.operawire.com

FORUMOPERA:

"...Le tandem (Noah Vannei and Sam Taskinen) accompagne idéalement Maria, interprétée par la jeune mezzo espagnole Patricia Illera. La voix est sombre, ductile, bien timbrée et généreuse. Dotée du physique du rôle et d’une belle technique de jeu, on se délecte de la belle présence scénique de la jeune femme qui se prépare à être Carmen."

“…The duo (Noah Vannei and Sam Taskinen) ideally accompanies Maria, performed by the young Spanish mezzo-soprano Patricia Illera. The voice is dark, supple, well-timbred, and generous. Endowed with the physique for the role and a fine acting technique, the young woman’s beautiful stage presence is a delight to behold as she prepares to become Carmen.”

Read the full interview here www.forumopera.com