Critical Acclaim

Academy of Vocal Arts - Anna Bolena, November 2008

As Enrico (Henry) VIII, Ben Wager wasn't particularly suited vocally to this kind of opera, but he's a hugely compelling vocal and theatrical presence, particularly in the way his staging was framed by the V-shaped set design.

                                               Philadelphia Inquirer (David Patrick Stearns)

As Enrico (Henry) VIII, Havertown native Ben Wager showed off a handsomely unctuous bass…

                                                  Philadelphia City Paper (Peter Burwasser)

Ben Wager dominates the stage as a youthful and charismatic Enrico.

                                                              ConcertoNet.com (Robert Baxter)

Chicago Opera Theater – Don Giovanni, May 2008

Isabel Leonard's fresh and sparkling Zerlina was complemented by the handsome, sonorous Masetto of Ben Wager. Both are terrific.

Chicago Tribune (John von Rhein)

…and her Masetto, Ben Wager, seems on an upward trajectory.

Chicago Sun Times (Andrew Patner)

• Opera New Jersey – Rigoletto, February 2008

  Ben Wager, too youthful and gym-toned a Monterone to merit being called "Vecchio" by Rigoletto, nonetheless proved striking in this often undercast part, with a strong, wide-ranging instrument and commanding presence.

  -Opera News Online (David Shengold)

• Academy Of Vocal Arts – Così Fan Tutte, November 2007

  AVA's stellar cast was led by bass Ben Wager as Don Alfonso...Wager sang with lustrous power and gave a portrayal brimming over with wicked glee.

  -Chestnut Hill Local (Michael Caruso)

• AVA's stellar cast was led by bass Ben Wager as Don Alfonso...Wager sang with lustrous power and gave a portrayal brimming over with wicked glee.

  -Courier-Post (Robert Baxter)

• Opera New Jersey - Die Zauberflöte, July 2007

  Bass Ben Wager added an attractive voice and an appealing stage presence to the Speaker's appearances.

  -Courier-Post (Robert Baxter)

• Academy Of Vocal Arts – Rossini’s Stabat Mater, March 2007

  Two of the singers Saturday evening were the focus of particular attention. Bass Ben Wager, a longtime resident of nearby Havertown, wasn't originally scheduled to sing the aria, "Pro peccatis suae gentis" (For the sins of His people), from Rossini's "Stabat Mater" (The Mournful Mother), but he did -- and did so beautifully. He employed his incredibly dark timbre to dramatically delineate the pain suffered by the Blessed Virgin Mary as she watched her Son dying on the cross.

  -News of Delaware County (Michael Caruso)

• Academy Of Vocal Arts - Der Freischütz, January 2007

  ...Ben Wager, as the satanic agent Kaspar, had the vocal goods and the histrionic fearlessness to show what Der Freischutz can be.

  -Philadelphia Inquirer (David Patrick Stearns)

• The best overall performance came from bass-baritone Ben Wager, totally confident vocally and theatrically as the villainous Kaspar.

  -Philadelphia City Paper (David Shengold)

• But the two who brought their characters to life were bass Ben Wager, as Kaspar, the bad guy, and Evelyn Pollock as Agathe's perky cousin, Annchen.

  -The Stage, George Hall, June 5, 2007

• The part of the Prince is sung by Bryan Hymel, a fine tenor who sings with great passion.

  -Main Line Times (Dick Saunders)

• Bass Ben Wager portrayed Kaspar with theatrical immediacy and vocal maturity.  His acting within the confines of a concert performance caught Kaspar's wicked desperation while his singing spanned the gamut of emotions through a broad range and deep reservoir of colors and dynamics.  His German diction was the finest of the evening.

  -News of Delaware County (Michael Caruso)

• Academy Of Vocal Arts - Il Barbiere Di Siviglia, Fall 2006

  Wager's Basilio was the most complete and accomplished characterization, and though from nearby Havertown, his vocal quality is unmistakably Slavic.

  -Philadelphia Inquirer (David Patrick Stearns)

• Ben Wager, a promising young bass with a touch of comic madness, was a standout as Don Basilio.

  -Main Line Times (Dick Saunders)