Francesca da Rimini, Teatro alla Scala 2018

 

"The role of Francesca, conceived by both D’Annunzio and Zandonai for their respective lovers, requires a big performance — and it gets one from María José Siri. The soprano, who matches steely vocalism with lyricism and pathos, communicates obedient devotion to the vile Giovanni (a powerful Gabriele Viviani), while her rapturous rapport with Paolo (the gallant Marcelo Puente) is absorbing.”
James Imam, Financial Times

"With Maria José Siri a real spinto soprano is performing at La Scala, who is capable of total relinquishing, up to her glistening high notes. The Uruguayan soprano is able to expand her rich voice continously and lets it flow intensely, especially in the softer colours of abandonment."
Michael Stallknecht, Neue Zürcher Zeitung

"With great expressiveness and vocal beauty, Maria José Siri creates the gigantic role of Francesca, surrounded by a homogeneous and outstandingly singing ensemble."
Franziska Stürz, BR Klassik

“A role of virginal adolescence, vocally tackled with appreciable bravura (...)”
Lorenzo Tozzi, Musica

“The protagonist Maria José Siri draws a pre-Raphaelite portrait which does not limit itself to a cold contemplation of beauty but becomes animates with flesh and blood (…) she displays a sturdy and secure singing line, a unique attention to expression and phrasing, and what’s more with a beautiful and luminous voice.”
Fabio Larovere, Connessi all'Opera

“A very steep climbing that Maria José Siri passes with flying colors"
Ugo Malasoma, Operaclick

"... vocally her expression and temperament helped to build Francesca's comprehensive personality. Her high notes were emitted with confidence, and the register passages were homogeneous and well balanced.”
Renato Verga, Bachtrack.com

“At her role debut as Francesca, Maria José Siri is a winner... . The impervious writing hammering around the passaggio, the frequent ascent to an exposed high register, the necessity to tower over a massive orchestral sound, as well as the continuous need to engage in pianissimos (in such a big hall!) make Francesca a truly “monstre” role.(…)  Siri engages in a most appreciated game of non verbal communication with accurate body movements, very precise but not affected."
Operadisc.com

“The burden lies especially on the shoulders of the protagonist (Maria José Siri), on stage in all the four acts, with very difficult passages hitting high Cs and Bs, grueling declamatos and ariosos and duets (those with "Paolo il Bello", Marcelo Puente) intensely charged with passion: a highly successful challenge.”
Giuseppe Pennisi, Il sussidiario.net