“Allyson McHardy, Canadian mezzo, is charismatic and powerful with a distinctive, inviting timbre. No doubt her Armide rules.”
“The fact is that “Armide” feels strikingly, if not modern – then in any case timeless in terms of the power and powerlessness of love. As a [production], it is furiously delicious to watch. Musically, a fast-paced party with rhythmic springiness and a mammoth musty sound.”
(Dagens Nyheter, Camilla Lundberg, Aug 7, 2024)

“… une mention spéciale pour Allyson McHardy dans le rôle-titre. La mezzo canadienne incarne parfaitement la magicienne tourmentée, déchirée entre la haine et l’amour. Sa voix riche et puissante transmet avec une intensité remarquable les émotions conflictuelles de son personnage, capturant la dualité d’Armide avec une profondeur psychologique palpable. Chaque air qu’elle interprète est une exploration minutieuse de la psychologie d’Armide, particulièrement dans des moments clés comme Je ne triomphe pas.”
(Baroquiades, Pedro Medeiros, Aug 10, 2024)

“Armide’s own music is full of psychological finesse brought to life with impressive authority by McHardy’s mezzo.”
“When honor, war, and the interests of the Empire come first, lust always trumps the enemy’s affairs. At the same time, it gives rise to several of the opera’s highlights. As in the opening scene of the fifth act, where Scott’s and McHardy’s voices wrap around each other with sublime caress.”
(Expressen, Axel Englund, Aug 5, 2024)

” Allyson McHardy [plays] the title role with elegant poise and a lush voice. The second act love scene, the third act hesitation to the final scene’s scorned anger – she sings and plays everything with psychological awareness that shoots straight out to the theater.”
(Svenska Dagblad, Loretta Villalobos, Aug 4, 2024)