“From the moment she takes the stage, one is struck by the sumptuousness of the soprano's voice. She combines admirably sculpted diction with phenomenal play on the variations in the colors of her timbre and the metallic reflections that nestle within it. “C'est Thaïs, l'idole fragile” is a monument to sensuality, and the American soprano then bases her seduction on extremely elaborate dynamic nuances. The pianissimo of “Pour ce soir, sois joyeux” is intoxicating, the richness of the timbre exuding a dripping sensuality. The alternation between bursts of power and diminuendi is calibrated to build a fascinating character from the first act onwards, as this totally controlled voice becomes an instrument of power over the men she controls, just as the singer controls the sound.”

Concerto Net

“In the role of Thaïs, American singer Rachel Willis-Sørensen takes to the stage at the Capitole, bringing all the nuances required by the role to life in all its depth. Mocking in “Qui te fis si sévère,” luminous, with a brilliant high register, in “Dis moi que suis belle,” she distills the modulations and nuances on the breath in the journey of conversion in the aria “L'amour est une vertu rare” or in the duet “Baigne d'eau”; her luminous lyricism blossoms in the finale “C'est toi mon père.” She who can sing Arabella, Leonora, and Elsa equally well balances interiority and exteriority, power and mastery of the lines, refinement and “marmoreal” projection, as we have read.”

Résonances Lyriques