The Waitress, Kaija Saariaho's Innocence
Magdalena Kožená conducted by Susanna Mallki
Festival Aix-en-Provence

“At the head of the cast was the Czech mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kožená, who embodied the part of the Waitress with unremitting expressive force."

Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 26th July 2021

 

“The cast matches Saariaho’s score in its commitment and discipline, its refusal to fall into overplaying or Grand Guignol. As the waitress, Magdalena Kozena is a laser beam of pain..."

CRITIC'S PICK: Zachary Woolfe, The New York Times, 7th July 2021

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“Mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kōzená was cast as the waitress. In what was a fiery performance she carefully crafted the deep pain and suffering experienced by her character. Yet, it was not a flat portrayal, but one in which she captured an array of nuanced emotions, ranging from anger, rising anxiety, delusion and denial, resentment and bitterness. Her singing was wonderfully moulded, full of sharp accents, dynamic shifts and colorful shadings."

Alain Neilson, OperaWire, 17th July 2021

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"...Magdalena Kozena, in a dream role as the mother of one of the victims, with snarling mezzo fury, darkens the atmosphere at the murderer’s brother’s wedding from happy pink to inky black..."

Ruetir, 5th July 2021

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