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Ayre is a perfect and tremendously satisfying example of cultural transcendence.
The Globe and Mail
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The stars aligned with this project... Miriam's authenticity is palpable, whether in the romantic songs or the call to uprising.
barczablog
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Khalil's performance is stunning, and to hear her sing Golijov's work adds a new level of admiration for her versatility.
Schmopera
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This performance was that rare thing that raises the hairs on the back of your neck.
Opera Ramblings
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An evening of power and resonance, the kind of which deep memories are fashioned.
The Globe and Mail
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Shocking, brilliant, thrilling. It's all conquering, a concert production of major importance, a flawless synchronicity of music and theatre.
Opera Going Toronto
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Miriam Khalil is spellbinding, her voice at turns lustrous and radiant, savage and snarling.
Opera Going Toronto
“
Like the whole audience, I was suspended in this stasis of stirred emotion — the repercussions of which were felt long after the final bows were taken.
Schmopera
Invited by Ivany to address the audience on opening night, the shy, softspoken composer Osvaldo Golijov remarked, eyes twinkling, “Nations play a lot of different roles in history. Conflicts, they stay the same. Only the actors are different.”
By promoting Golijov’s vision of culture as a permeable wrapper, Against the Grain Theatre has injected a much needed dose of optimism into these uncertain times. Ayre is filled with spirit, soaring, crushed, defiant. But hope like Golijov’s music has a way of insinuating itself into the soul. We need to hear the message. Now more than ever.
—Ian Ritchie
Read more reviews and previews:
In Review: Ayre Schmopera
Review: Ayre | Opera Going Toronto
Against the Grain’s Ayre is a vital reminder that unity is possible | The Globe and Mail
Ayre: An Evening with Osvaldo Golijov | Opera Ramblings
Review: Ayre | barczablog
Don’t miss Ayre | Schmopera
Against the Grain’s Ayre to deliver powerful evening of cultural mash-ups | The Globe and Mail
Critic’s Pick | Musical Toronto
What to see this week in Toronto | Toronto Life
Genres fused in Ayre | WholeNote Magazine
