English National Opera

June & July 2011
 

Simon Boccanegra

Photo by Robert Workman

“The star of the evening for me was the enchantingly beautiful soprano Rena Harms in her ENO and role debuts as Amelia Boccanegra. Her incisive, rich and open sound filled the Coliseum effortlessly and she gave an innately musical performance, with some particularly sublime soft passages. Dramatically she is extremely accomplished, and conveyed simultaneously Amelia’s youth, compassion, flirtatiousness and deep devotion to her family and lover. The chemistry between Harms and Auty throughout the opera was electric, and her heartfelt allegiance to her father made for an extremely touching reunion scene.”
musicOMH

"Playing Amelia as a petulant teenager, Rena Harms discloses an attractive glint in her soprano."
The Telegraph

"The best of all the singers, however, was the soprano Rena Harms as Amelia herself. She has a delightfully clear, young voice perfect for this role."
Daily Express

"Rena Harms as Amelia acted superbly, dealing convincingly with Tcherniakov's view of the heroine as a Goth-accessorized teenager, and she took her Act I aria with great charm and skill." 
Opera Magazine

"Rena Harms gave a vivid portrayal of Amelia."
Ronan Theatre Reviews

".As Amelia, Rena Harms’ sweet voice successfully underpins both the joy and sadness that she feels by turns." 
Londonist