AMANDA POWELL, soprano, has been praised as “the star of the evening” (Seen and Heard International, UK) and "charismatic and theatrically arresting” (San Francisco Chronicle). A highly versatile musician, she is at home in repertoire from Monteverdi to Mozart to Ravel, and has toured internationally as soloist in baroque opera, oratorio, and crossover folk programs. Her tour performances with GRAMMY-winning baroque orchestra Apollo's Fire (Jeannette Sorrell) include such venues as the National Concert Hall of Ireland in Dublin, the Irish National Opera House, the Aldeburgh Festival (UK), the Metropolitan Museum in New York, the National Gallery in Washington, and Zellerbach Hall in San Francisco, among others. Her 2019 debut as Messiah soloist with the Calgary Symphony won kudos as "the soloist of the night... singing to perfection."
As a recording artist, Ms Powell has been featured on several Apollo's Fire albums including Sugarloaf Mountain, Sephardic Journey, and Christmas on Sugarloaf Mountain, all of which received rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic and debuted in the top ten on the BILLBOARD Classical Chart. Her 2015 solo debut album, Beyond Boundaries, is an intimate program of folk, jazz, and global music. She is a fluent improvisor and has collaborated with such artists as Bobby McFerrin and Sheila Jordan.
“...the one vocal soloist who brought real electricity to the proceedings was soprano Amanda Powell as (among other roles) the messenger who first brings the news of Eurydice’s demise. Bright-toned, charismatic and theatrically arresting, she commanded the listener’s attention at every point.”
“Amanda Powell was soloist of the night, her light, crystal-clear soprano perfect for the part, singing both the rapid passages in “Rejoice Greatly” and the expressive passages in “I Know that My Redeemer Liveth” to perfection.”
“Amanda Powell became the star of the evening with a performance of the Scottish/Appalachian ballad ‘Christ Child’s Lullaby’ so tender it could make a stone cry. Or even a hard-nosed critic. It was simply one of the loveliest things I’ve ever heard.”