This revival's unqualified triumph is Joyce El-Khoury as the slave Liu. This fast-rising Canadian soprano captivates whenever she opens her mouth. The role of Liu is not a star-making part, yet she is gifted with two of Puccini's most memorable soprano arias: the meltingly lyrical "Signore, ascolta!" ("My lord, listen!") and her dramatic death scene, "Tu che di gel sei cinta" ("You who are frozen in ice"). El-Khoury caps the former aria with an ethereally floated pianissimo that all but slides down the walls of the parquet. Her performance of the latter aria—which culminates in Liu's suicide—is as dramatically realized as I've ever seen or heard. This is a talent I expect to encounter for years to come, and I couldn't be happier. – TalkinBroadway
As the heartbroken Liu, soprano Joyce El-Khoury pleads with him in “Signore, ascolta!” full of desperate pain and high ghostly notes so delicate they almost seem to disappear into the air. While still considered a supporting character, Liu remains a musical focus of the piece and becomes the tragic heroine, brilliantly handled by El-Khoury in “Tu che di gel sei cinta” as she makes her final sacrifice. – DCMetroTheaterArts
Joyce El-Khoury, an Academy of Vocal Arts graduate, stole everybody's heart as the slave girl Liu, thanks to her convincing portrayal, and floated high notes that recalled the glory years of Montserrat Caballé. Yes, really. – Philly.com
Sunday Times: Joyce’s Écho is the ALBUM OF THE WEEK Hugh Canning chose Joyce's Écho as The Sunday Times' album of the week! Read on here. By admin September 25, 2017 0 ECHO, recording echo, opera rara, recording, sunday times
