Reviews
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Adelaide Baroque Orchestra
“Russell is one of Australia’s most versatile singers, from bel canto to the baroque, and her extraordinary versatility was much on show, from coloratura lightness and agility to tremendous intensity in the long, slow passages in ‘Alto Giove’ from Porpora’s Polifemo."
Peter Burdon
The Advertiser
August 2022
"Sally-Anne Russell distilled pure anger in rage arias by Hasse, Orlandini and Ristori. Evidently being angry brings on fits of vocal gymnastics which she was more than a match for. With a lovely, rich and mellow mezzo soprano voice, Sally-Anne Russell also showed another more tender and expressive side in beautifully fashioned arias by Porpora and Hasse."
Stephen Whittington
The Advertiser
August 2022
Messiah | Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
“Sally-Anne Russell....whose musical communication is exemplary. Her superb combination of vocal technique and emotional range was on display thoughout, reaching its climax in a heartrending account of 'He was despised'."
Tony Way
The Age
December 2021
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Adelaide Festival
“When the claws come out and Hermia and Helena face off at the end of Act II, Russell gives a wonderfully animated performance as she snarls and claws at her rival and the two men have to carry her off.”
Jansson J. Antmann
Limelight
February 2021
Belshazzar - Handel | Adelaide Philharmonia Chorus
“…mezzo-soprano Sally-Anne Russell, in another pants role, that of Cyrus, the conquering Prince of Persia. Steadfast and full-blooded, she dominated the stage and delivered beautifully ornamented da capo moments”.
Vincent Plush
Limelight Magazine
November 2017
The Barber of Seville | Melbourne Opera
“…One aspect of this production that was indisputably in line with Rossini’s intentions was among its highlights: Sally- Anne Russell’s Rosina. A full, warm tone throughout from bottom to top and neatly executed coloratura passages were invested with a musical ease and lightness of touch essential to the character. Her vivacity and wicked sense of humour also had the power to delight and charm the audience as well as her suitors”.
Heather Leviston
Classic Melbourne
July 2015
“Sally-Anne Russell is one of Australia’s current operatic and oratorio stars. She gave the character of Rosina believable determination, and her beautiful mezzo soprano was all that could be desired”.
Rob Holdsworth
The Australian Book Review
July 2015
“Mezzo-soprano Russell is in delightful form as dear Rosina, conveying the comedy with a twinkle in her eye and singing with a golden, expressive tone”.
Simon Parris
Man in the Chair
July 2015
“Known as much for her Baroque virtuosity as for her Bel Canto interpretations, Sally-Anne Russell’s fleet coloratura and comic timing make her an ideal Rosina”
Samuel Kru
Stage Whispers
July 2015
"Sally-Anne Russell in a deeply moving performance of Brahms' Alto Rhapsody in which she injected long legato lines with expressive intensity and lovely dramatic colour. She exhibits a striking presence on stage that matches the authority of her performance".
Lyn Bronson
Peninsula Reviews
July 18, 2010
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio | Carmel Bach Festival
“The vocal soloists…were splendid. I particularly enjoyed the timbre of Ms. Russell’s lush mezzo.”
Reg Huston
Peninsula Reviews
July 19, 2009