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
At the heart of the evening was Joyce El-Khoury, who joined rehearsals only a couple of weeks ago but had just one week to learn the formidable role of Hélène. You'd never have guessed. Singing with fearless attack in her boléro Merci, jeunes amies and bringing warmth and poise to her later scena with Henri, she gave a performance of staggering assurance and stamina. To step in under such circumstances would have been achievement enough; to deliver at this level felt almost superhuman. – Music OMH
Joyce El-Khoury as Hélène shows a voice of pure elegance, blossoming into power as the drama deepens. She is pure brilliance. – Lohengrin Magazine
Superbly cast as Palermo’s rabble-rousing heroine, Joyce El-Khoury saved the day, unleashing her breathtaking range on one of Verdi’s most dizzying roles whether exhorting patriotic fervour or pinpointing her love duet with Henri with exquisite delicacy. – Bachtrack
Let me start with the star of the evening: Joyce El-Khoury. She began learning the role only a few weeks ago, after the announcement of Marina Rebeka’s withdrawal. And let me tell you—learning such a massive role in just fifteen days is no easy feat, especially in a grand opera like Les Vêpres, which lasts over 3 hours and where Hélène’s part is both central and relentless! The challenge must have been immense, but she pulled it off. She embraced the role, delivered magnificent love duets, and crowned it all with a soaring, breathtaking final aria. – Opera Diary
