"The “bubble” in question, Rusalka, is portrayed by soprano Sara Gartland in a strong Pittsburgh debut. Her “Song to the Moon,” the opera’s most famous tune, is fulsome, lyrical and tender... Gartland, a native of St. Paul, Minn., was an impressive replacement as the original singer had to withdraw for personal reasons."
"Sara Gartland was not the soprano long advertised to sing the title role, but she was not, by any stretch of the imagination, a “substitute.” She gives Rusalka an interpretation that makes one think that she was born to sing the part. Ms. Gartland is gifted with a soprano voice of true beauty, and she has that gift completely at her command. A finely honed technique, seamless phrasing, the ability to float the softest pianissimo and hit the highest notes in the score – she has them all, in musical abundance. She also acts very well, and looks like a movie star. This production marks her Pittsburgh Opera debut, and we can only hope that she’ll come this way again."
