Reviews
A selection of reviews highlighting Kathryn Rudge’s performances across opera, concert and recital platforms
Holst – Savitri (The Barbican, London & Aldeburgh Festival, Snape Maltings)
Britten Sinfonia and Sir Mark Elder with Pagrav Dance Company
British Music Society
“The singing from Kathryn Rudge… was sublime.”
The Times
“A stirring Kathryn Rudge.”
Financial Times
“Kathryn Rudge sang Sāvitri with warmth and beauty.”
Wigmore Hall & Concert Performances
The Times – Wigmore Hall (Song Recital with James Baillieu)
“It doesn’t take long (five notes, maybe) to hear why people are excited… tremendous reserves of power, impeccable intonation… a distinctive vocal quality.”
Financial Times – Wigmore Hall
“Heartfelt song cycles sung by Kathryn Rudge.”
Broadway World – BBC Proms
“Liverpudlian mezzo soprano Kathryn Rudge… expressive and beautifully controlled… a fabulous Prom, brimming with emotion.”
Richard Strauss – Song Recital (York) with Christopher Glynn
Charles Hutch Press
“There was no doubt about the depth of her feeling… the work of a singer in her prime who knows exactly how to hold an audience in thrall. Spellbinding stuff, the voice beautifully focused throughout its range, right to the very top.”
Ludlow Song Festival – with Iain Burnside
The Ludlow Guide
“When Kathryn Rudge took to the stage audiences knew they were in for a rare treat – her stamina and sheer, obvious joy handling Finzi and Elgar and Rhian Samuel’s The Moon and I was just delightful.”
Garsington Opera
The Times
“Rudge’s mezzo is more burnished with each passing year.”
The Independent
“Kathryn Rudge’s Dorabella is ravishingly sung.”
What’s On Stage
“Kathryn Rudge is an adorable Dorabella. She sings with a fresh, uncomplicated Mozartian mezzo.”
Elgar – Sea Pictures & The Music Makers
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vasily Petrenko
RLPO
“Kathryn Rudge, who has recorded these songs with Vasily Petrenko, was a distinctive soloist.”
Opera Today
“The powerful glow and gripping range of her voice… everything was immaculate and yet incredibly fresh and free.”
Bachtrack
“Kathryn Rudge fully identifies with Elgar’s settings and brought off an impressive rendition plumbing their emotional depths. She’s a natural performer, and this was a masterclass in communication.”
San Francisco Classical Voice
“If you’ve never heard this stirring music with voices, be prepared to be profoundly moved as Rudge’s gently throbbing voice soars regally on the ‘Nimrod’ tune, followed by the Liverpool Philharmonic Chorus.”
Rossini – The Barber of Seville (English National Opera)
What’s On Stage
“Kathryn Rudge is one of Britain’s brightest young mezzos. She continues on her upwards career curve as a delightful Rosina… Rossini’s fiendish writing held no terrors for her.”
The Guardian
“Kathryn Rudge’s classy Rosina.”
GScene
“Kathryn Rudge as Rosina gave one of those stunning performances showing off her pure coloratura with an effortless grace that was enchanting. She got the flirtatious innocent‑but‑knowing, naughty attitude of Rosina just right.”
The Express
“Gorgeous mezzo voice and a lively presence.”
Mozart – Le Nozze di Figaro
Opera Magazine
“Cherubino’s hedonism was ferociously captured by Kathryn Rudge, who temporarily stole the show with her two arias.”
Financial Times
“The stand‑out performance is Kathryn Rudge’s deeply felt, endearingly jittery Cherubino.”
Britten – Albert Herring (Buxton Opera House)
The Telegraph
“I rather fell for Kathryn Rudge’s blonde‑bombshell of a Nancy, sung with fine relish for her music’s sensuality.”
Britten – Charm of Lullabies (Snape Maltings / Aldeburgh)
The Guardian
“Mezzo‑soprano Kathryn Rudge, a glowing soloist in Charm of Lullabies, ran through like a silvery thread.”
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic – Spirit of Christmas Concerts
Wirral Globe
“Kathryn Rudge was outstanding throughout, sweeping on stage in a red ball gown. She looked like a flame flickering brightly during every song, whether an aria or a stunning interpretation of Over the Rainbow and I Could Have Danced All Night. She received rapturous applause for her versatility. Her interview about her Liverpool roots and career was both sparkling and uplifting.”
Opera North – Giulio Cesare
Financial Times
“Kathryn Rudge’s plucky Sesto manages to be both stylish and moving.”
The Spectator
“So moving, so passionate and sang with such forthright ardour.”
The Daily Telegraph
“Brightly spunky and impassioned… one of the evening’s highlights.”
Opera Magazine
“A young singer of exceptional promise.”
The York Press
“An absolute blinder… as auspicious a Leeds debut as she could have hoped.”
The Guardian
“Everything required of an exciting young mezzo: tone, technique and absolute conviction.”
English National Opera – The Marriage of Figaro
Financial Times
“The star performance… chaotically sexy, charismatic, totally compelling.”
The Independent
“Keeps the palpitating intensity of adolescence on the boil.”
The Guardian
“Rudge sensually refined.”
Opera Now
“An impressive professional debut.”
Early Career
Michael Kennedy – Opera Magazine
“Already this charismatic singer… knows how to stir the heart, and one hardly dares to predict what is to come.”
RNCM Productions (Selected)
Vanessa
Opera Magazine
“This charismatic singer, with her immaculate diction, knows how to stir the heart.”
City Life
“Most accomplished… conveying an inner struggle more compelling than the title role.”
Carmen
Opera Magazine
“Rich and flexible tone, clear diction and magnetic stage presence… sultry passion and intensity.”
Musical Opinion
“A temptress to silence all temptresses… fluid, rich and wonderfully coloured.”
MusicWeb International
“Exemplary in colour, tone and expression.”
La Clemenza di Tito
Opera Magazine
“A precious talent… fluent, comfortable and beautiful in any register… immaculate diction.”
Le Nozze di Figaro
Opera Now
“Bags of comedy… adept an actress as appealing a singer.”
Manchester Evening News
“Highly popular… singing with purity and attack.”
La Belle Hélène
Opera Magazine
“Lustrous tone… a natural comedienne.”
Eugene Onegin
Opera Magazine
“A lively and charming Olga.”
Manchester Evening News
“Delightfully conceived… flexible voice and natural charm.”
