Allyson makes her debut as Sara in Roberto Devereux at the Canadian Opera Company

“As Sara, Duchess of Nottingham, mezzo-soprano Allyson McHardy sang her aria “All’afflitto è dolce il pianto” so beautifully that the applause nearly brought the opera to a halt as soon as it began. McHardy never lost the golden creaminess of her tone: even the most rapid passages and the depth of her characterization lent variety to a figure who is in a perpetual state of anxiety throughout the action.” (Opera News, 30 April 2014)

“The singer who put it all together was mezzo-soprano Allyson McHardy as Sara, the noblewoman who cannot disguise her love for Roberto but remains blameless of all physical transgression. She produced a vivid sound and acted the part to perfection.” (National Post, 28 April 2014)

“Allyson McHardy [as] Sara…was the one performer who was completely in her role from first note to last, who combined drama and characterization with fine musicality throughout the opera, believable from first scene to last.” (Globe and Mail, 26 April 2014)

“Mezzo-Soprano Allyson McHardy’s voice has a dark resonance that was just right for the part of the tragic heroine. She is also blessed with an instrument that is both weighty and agile, a perfect combination for a dramatic role in this style of opera.” (Mooney-on-Theatre, 27 April 2014)

“Allyson McHardy’s Sara completed this ill-fated romantic quartet by playing Nottingham’s wife with a purity of tone and clarity of intent that held us every moment she was on stage.” (Toronto Star, 26 April 2014)

“McHardy has a rich, full mezzo and an instinctual dramatic grasp of Sara’s situation.” (NOW Magazine, 29 April 2014)

“Such smart design, together with the intense, highly watchable chemistry of mezzo-soprano McHardy and baritone Braun, whispers of divided loyalties and unspoken grudges within the union.” (Bachtrack, 26 April 2014)