Soprano Joyce El-Khoury gave a performance in which she did not neglect the theatrical aspect and expressed Cleopatra's emotional journey throughout the work, moving from fury to resignation. The singer was comfortable in the middle register and executed some breathtaking high notes. – Bachtrack
The highlight of the evening was Berlioz's cantata 'Cleopatra', expertly conducted by Ludovic Morlot. The Lebanese-Canadian soprano Joyce El-Khoury fits the model of the lyric-dramatic soprano and is very well suited to this repertoire. Looking forward to hearing her with us in staged roles. – ARA
Hélène is a tricky role — you need the agility of a Violetta for the boléro’s fireworks — but Joyce El-Khoury, jumping in and learning the role in just nine days, sings with exquisite bel canto style, the first true Verdian soprano to tackle the role in this staging. – The London Times
Joyce El-Khoury is an outstanding Hélène here, demonstrating an ability later in the opera to float high notes with a facility as touching as it’s technically impressive. – The Standard
