CRITICAL ACCLAIM

“... a master storyteller-singer…” – American Record Guide

Die schöne Müllerin – “More than most recordings, this one makes you feel you are in the presence of a master storyteller-singer more than being at a traditional recital. Kelly uses his light lyric voice effectively with prudently applied rubato and lovely soft singing. His articulation of the text is lucid and is as thoughtfully delivered as Bostridge's but without a sense of fussiness. He uses a great range of vocal coloring and dynamics effectively, from a near whispering in 'Die Liebe Farbe' to snarling indignation in 'Der Jager.'"

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"full command of the material" – Front Row Center

"The Pleasing Recollection" – "Kelly has full command of the material, from every wink of a shoulder to a dramatic high note, revealing a tenor-like sweetness at the top of this range, bolstered by the strength of his baritone center. With a simple turning of his back, a stroll around a chair to sit down again, or leaning on the piano, Kelly utilizes the whole space, refreshing the page with each intentional gesture."

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"as mesmerizing as it was emotionally devastating" – Seen and Heard International

"Testaments", Brooklyn Art Song Society – "Baritone Michael Kelly’s performance of the Songs and Proverbs of William Blake was as mesmerizing as it was emotionally devastating. His voice dripped with irony as he sang Proverb II [...] and the combination of lightness and horror that he instilled into ‘The Chimney-Sweeper’ made the plight of the young lad heart-wrenching."

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"his singing is sensational" – Talkin' Broadway

Kiss Me Kate, St. Petersburg Opera Company – "Michael Kelly plays Fred Graham and his singing is sensational ... His diction is superb, and he rattles off the Shakespearean dialogue ... with aplomb."

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“a versatile baritone” – New York Classical Review

Prince of Players, Little Opera Theatre of New York – “As the title character, Michael Kelly showed a versatile baritone, first in scenes requiring him to portray a woman singing and later, a man … Kelly’s sensitive acting chops were impressive.”

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“captures the fear and wonder of the character’s younger self” – Orlando Sentinel

As One, Opera Orlando – “Though the English libretto is projected, the singers’ diction is understandable without reading. Michael Kelly as “Hannah (Before)” captures the fear and wonder of the character’s younger self, while Elise Quagliata, as “Hannah (After),” has a more mature sensibility. Both find the moments of pain — and the moments of radiance.”