Maria Stuarda / The Metropolitan Opera

Anthony Tommasini

The New York Times

Matthew Polenzani, who is becoming the Met’s go-to tenor in bel canto repertory (he was wonderful as Nemorino in the company’s new production of Donizetti’s ‘Elisir d’Amore,’ which opened the season) brings melting sound and appealing vulnerability to the role of the hapless Robert Dudley (Roberto), the Earl of Leicester.”

“Tenor Matthew Polenzani (who appeared at the beginning of the season in Donizetti’s comic opera ‘L’Elisir d’Amore’) is, as usual, vocally smooth and dramatically convincing.”
— Barry Bassis, The Epoch Times

“As Leicester, Matthew Polenzani proved once again why the Met is giving him such prominent parts. He has a lovely head voice, which he used often in some quiet singing, and he has some juice when necessary.”
— David Rubin, CNY Café Momus

“As Roberto Dudley (Roberto), Matthew Polenzani was ardent and vulnerable.”
— Jim Pritchard, Seen and Heard International