“Sara Gartland was utter perfection in the title role, a performance on full throttle from first to last as she descended inexorably from infectious, hopeful girlish impetuosity to end up a pathetically defeated nonentity. Her singing was nothing less than radiant throughout. Ms. Gartland possesses a substantial lyric soprano of great beauty and rock solid technique that seems to know no bounds when it comes to alluring sheen, emotional connection, thrilling top notes, vibrant mid-range, floated pinaissimi, and well, any and all variation thereof. Moreover, her attractive presence and committed acting were all one could wish for this complex heroine. I would wager there is no one in the world singing this role better than Sara Gartland”
JAMES SOHRE | OPERA TODAY
“Sara Gartland was masterful in the title role of the opera. She beautifully portrayed Rusalka’s journey from restless optimist to defeated outcast. Gartland sounded reserved at the beginning of the famous “Song to the Moon,” but as the aria progressed, her voice blossomed into its full rich tone. Rusalka is a demanding role, most notably for its emotional range. She must be ethereal at times and heart wrenching at others, and Gartland excelled in all of the character’s vocal guises.”
MEGHAN KLINKENBORG | SCHMOPERA