"Soprano Emily Birsan, who plays Mary, is a versatile singer and actress and was clearly the audience favorite last evening. Her high notes are clear and weightless while maintaining a strong presence in the lower range. Donizetti's florid writing highlighted Birsan's lyricism, and her dynamic range added color and dimension to Mary's character. Divas duel in University Opera's outstanding Maria Stuarda."

-Sandy Tabachnick 4/24/2010
  The Daily Page, Isthmus Magazine