Romilda in Xerxes
Soprano Lisette Oropesa made a superb company debut as Romilda, the object of both royal brothers' affection, her singing bright and precise (if a bit small-scaled) and her phrasing eloquently to the point.
Vocalists, well-balanced and without ego, gave all-around outstanding performances in a true ensemble event
"Making her San Francisco Opera debut, 2005 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions winner Lisette Oropesa as Romilda displayed a most engaging light soprano with an especially lovely top. The highest notes may not boom out, but their sweetness and fragility cuts right to the heart."
As Romilda, in her company debut, soprano Lisette Oropesa is a porcelain-fine singer, with ample emotion brewing beneath the exquisite surface.