Canadian soprano Joyce El-Khoury, in the role of Elisabetta, gives a thrilling performance, showing herself visibly emotional at the curtain call. I can see her taking on the mantle of Beverly Sills and performing all three of Donizetti’s Tudor queens. Her mastery of the coloratura, her expression in the messa di voce and her sheer intelligence as a singer all shone out from her first imperious entry to the unbridled passion of her final aria. – Wales Arts Review
this is definitively Elizabeth’s opera. Her portrayal by Joyce El-Khoury is quite exquisite. Appearing in a bright red silk dress and a striking blond wig, her commanding soprano echoing through the auditorium full of strong passion and longing....El-Khoury is as magnificent and compelling in her grief as she was when expressing her great love. A truly unforgettable performance. – Theatre Wales
she was absolutely convincing, both vocally and in terms of characterisation, creating a queen at the edge of madness as she learned about the limitations of political power and how her emotions can have power over her; now the vocal control was immaculate. Her reading of Elizabeth’s final aria, ‘Vivi, ingrate, a lei acconto’ was positively stunning, a thing of intensely melancholy beauty. – Seen and Heard
