Critical Acclaim

Chicago Opera Theater – Mosé in Egitto

Taylor Stayton boasted a fluidly responsive lyric tenor with a vibrant ping above the staff as the rebellious Egyptian prince Osiride.

Mark Thomas Ketterson, Opera News, July 2010

The most compelling human element in the opera is the forbidden love of Pharoah’s son Osiride for the Israeli girl Elcia, and in a magnificent breakout performance as the conflicted Osiride, Taylor Stayton dominated the production.

A third-year resident artist at Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts, this young singer is the real thing—a Rossini tenor with the juice, power and flexibility to have a major career.

From his first notes, Stayton’s vibrant lyric instrument made one sit up and take notice. He sailed through all of Rossini’s coloratura hurdles with panache, throwing off high C’s with apparent ease. Also, in a static opera with a lot of public speechifying, Stayton brought a nuanced complexity to Pharoah’s tortured son.

Lawrence A Johnson, Chicago Classical Review, April 18, 2010

Osiride is an odd character, a steadfast lover but also a conniving villain who manipulates the vacillating Pharaoh to keep the captives (including, of course, his beloved Elcia) in Egypt. Stayton rose to the heroic demands of this taxing tenor role, his phrasing expressive and nimble, his sound bright and open, with a nice ping on top. He, too, is a talent to keep track of.

John von Rhein, The Chicago Tribune, April 19, 2010

For amazing voices, the cast of Moses really can't be beat; Taylor Stayton’s portrayal of the star-crossed lover Osiride was magnificent.

J.H. Plamer, Gapers Block, April 23, 2010

Academy of Vocal Arts – Capriccio

Taylor Stayton attacked his role with gusto and also managed to sing the music with bel canto beauty.

Robert Baxter, ConcertoNet, February 2010

• Teatro dell'Opera di Roma - Falstaff

• One surprise – the young American Taylor Stayton, who is also excellent as an actor.

• Hans Sachs, Il Velino, 25 January 2010

• Taylor Stayton contributes nicely as the young lover Fenton.

• George Loomis, The New York Times, 1 February 2010

• Academy of Vocal Arts - Lucia di Lammermoor

• Taylor Stayton's pliant tenor delivered a splendid, promising Arturo.

  Adam Wasserman, Opera News, October 2009

• Taylor Stayton made a steadier, more sonorous Arturo than one sometimes hears at major houses.

  David Shengold, Opera News, August 2009

• Martina Arroya Foundation Gala: Prelude to Performance - Cosi Fan Tutte

• I particularly liked Taylor Stayton as Ferrando. His voice... exudes good health and promise.

  Bernard Holland, The New York Times, 21 July 2007

• Taylor Stayton as Ferrando did an astonishing job with the elegant “Un Aura Amoroso.” For such a young tenor to be so accomplished at conveying the nuances of Mozart is extremely impressive. I look forward to hearing him again.

  Howard Kissel, The New York Daily News, 23 July 2007