Donna Anna — Don Giovanni

2014 performances

Merola  |  San Francisco, CA

Reviews:

"Soprano Amanda Woodbury gave a powerful, transfixing performance as Donna Anna, the noblewoman whose traumatic encounter with Don Giovanni sets the opera in motion. Her singing was bright, beautifully colored, and full of strength and passion, with a fluidity to the phrasing that did nothing to lessen the overall potency of her delivery. "Or sai chi l'onore," the Act 1 aria in which she first realizes the Don's culpability and dedicates herself to vengeance, was a crowd-pleasing thrill." —Joshua Kosman, SFGate

"Amanda Woodbury performed the role of Donna Anna in a grand manner, directing her facial expressions and gesticulations toward the last rows of the audience more than her colleagues. She had an impressive command of Anna's music and sang "Non mi dir" with luxuriant tone and spot on coloratura that left many of us wanting to hear more from her."—Jeffrey S. McMillan, Opera News

"The true standout among the evening’s cast was Amanda Woodbury as Donna Anna. A recent winner at the Met’s National Council Auditions and a participant in the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, Woodbury’s voice is unique, clear,  and penetrating—the kind you actually remember hearing because it’s so distinct. She made an immediate impression and garnered a well-deserved sustained ovation during the first act with “Or sai chi l’onore,” and from there continued to deliver all evening long.” —John Marcher, A Beast In A Jungle

"Soprano Amanda Woodbury, riding a wave of strength, immediately impressed the audience with her large, edgy voice & sustained focus. Even though she was completely potent, it felt like she was using only half her reserves. She received extended ovations for both of her arias." —Alex Feldheim, Not For Fun Only

"Amanda Woodbury sang and acted Donna Anna fearlessly, giving the best vocal performance in the role I've heard since Elza van den Heever made her debut at the San Francisco Opera." —Michael Strickland, Civic Center

"Amanda Woodbury (Donna Anna) has a bright, lovely voice. Her arias were some of the best moments of the evening.” —Charlise Tiee, The Opera Tattler

"Amanda Woodbury's Donna Anna reigned over the hall, a soprano assured of an important career.” —Janos Gereben, SF Performing Arts Examiner

2012 Performances

Patricia Corbett Theatre, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Cincinnati, OH

Reviews:

"The wronged Donna Anna, who suffered attempted rape and her father’s death at the Don’s hands, was magnificently sung and acted by Amanda Woodbury. A rich-toned soprano, she conveyed pathos and tragedy realistically. Her Act II scene (“Non mi dir”) was deeply felt, with stunning coloratura passages." —Janelle Gelfand, Cincinnati.com