Madison Symphony Orchestra
May 2, 3, 4, 2014
John DeMain, conductor
 

"Pianist Garrick Olsen and soprano Emily Birsan dazzle in Madison Symphony Orchestra's Gershwin-themed program drawing on theatrical instincts as well as a voice that always makes my day (or evening), Birsan makes truly musical high points out of her solos. She is cute in a parody song about Johann Strauss (even waltzing briefly with the conductor). She is dazzling in "Glitter and Be Gay" from Bernstein's Candide, an aria really written for her. Also, in a duet from West Side Story with Olivo, she was quite touching…."

-John Barker, Isthmus Newspaper, 5/3/14

"Soprano Emily Birsan was here just four weeks ago as soloist in the MozartRequiem, and is showing every indication of being a bona fide darling diva in the making. With crystal clear diction and just the right dash of sass Birsan delighted in the clever “By Strauss,” and later unleashed her full upper range in a truly dazzling “Glitter and Be Gay” from Bernstein’s Candide. "

- Greg Hettmansberger, Madison Magazine 5/4/14