News & Reviews
Allyson with the Amsterdam Concertgebouw
Allyson is in Amsterdam preparing for performances of Ligeti’s Requiem with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra conducted by Jonathan Nott on September 25, 26 & 28. For more information visit the Concertgebouw website
Allyson’s Concert Series show airs on VisionTV, Friday July 25th at 11pm
The TV show formed from the live taping at the Zoomerplex in May will be aired for the first time on VisionTV, Friday, July 25th at 11pm EST. Allyson offers a program taking us from a saucy Carmen and bewitching Rosina to the plaintive emotions of Xerxes’ Ombra mai fu. Check your local lisitngs for details or visit the VisionTV website.
Seattle Chamber Music Performances Live Streamed
Allyson makes her first appearance at the Seattle Chamber Music Society’s Summer Festival with performances on July 21 and 23. On July 23rd, she performs Brahms’s Liebeslieder Waltzes with Hyunah Yu, Nicholas Phan, James Westman, Jeewon Park, and Max Levinson. On July 23rd, chamber music enthusiasts are in for a real treat when Allyson performs Kodály’s rarely heard Annie Miller, from Hungarian Folk Music with pianist Jeewon Park as well as Brahms’s Two Songs, Op. 91 with Michael Klotz and Jeewon Park.
Dora Nomination for Allyson!
Allyson has been nominated for a Dora Award in the category of Outstanding Performance in an Opera for her appearance as Sara in Roberto Devereux at the Canadian Opera Company in May 2014. The awards will handed out on Monday June 23, 2014 in Toronto.
Friday, May 23rd at NOON – Live Broadcast and Taping for ZoomerMedia
Allyson will perform LIVE at the Zoomerplex in Toronto for broadcast on Classical 96.3 (radio and website) as well as taping for a future presentation of Zoomer’s new Radio Concert Hall Series on Vision TV. Allyson offers a program taking us from a saucy Carmen and bewitching Rosina to the plaintive emotions of Xerxes’ Ombra mai fu.
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)
Allyson featured in Mercedes-Benz’s Scene Magazine
In “All the Right Notes”, Allyson talks about preparing for her new role as Sara in Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux at the Canadian Opera Company, learning new languages, and why Giulietta Simionato.
Allyson shares some of her favourite things with Dolce Magazine
Read the interview in Dolce Magazine – Spring 2014
Orlando Nominated for a JUNO Award
At the 2014 JUNO Award press conference held today, February 4th, Allyson’s recording of the complete version of Orlando on the ATMA Classique label was nominated in the category of Classical Album Of The Year Vocal/Choral. The awards will be handed out at ceremonies on March 29 & 30 in Winnipeg. Check back for updates!
Review for Hippolyte et Aricie
“As with so many figures from ancient mythology Phaedre is like a chapter from a psychology textbook, a study in pathology as she gives voice to her desire for her step-son and then -when he vanishes-is wracked with guilt. In other words her extreme passions-rage, desire, remorse-are ideal for an operatic treatment. While there may be lots to listen to in this opera, Phaedre is squarely at the centre of the work. OiC didn’t disappoint in casting Allyson McHardy. I’ve missed that gorgeous voice, her unrelenting approach to performance. In addition to the villainous side of the performance, McHardy added a surprising vulnerability, an element that felt modern, and made the character three-dimensional. Her passions were larger than life in this portrayal. ” (barczablog, 3 February 2014)
Toronto Star Interview on Hippolyte et Aricie
Allyson speaks to Trish Crawford about her upcoming role as the love-crazed stepmother, Phedre in Opera in Concert’s presentation of the rarely performed Hippolyte et Aricie by Rameau on February 2nd at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in Toronto. Also catch a sneak peek into a rehearsal with tenor Colin Ainsworth as the two prepare for the twisted love story of gods and mortals.
Prix OPUS for Dead Man Walking
The Opéra de Montréal’s production of Heggie’s Dead Man Walking was named the Musical Event of the Year (2012-2013) at the annual Gala announcing the winners of the Prix Opus, held on January 26th at the Bourgie du Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal.