Comments on Helen-Jane Howells
(most press reviews are to be found on the 'Review' page)
“Our soloists are normally very good but on Saturday they were outstanding. The bass* and soprano were first class!” the Vice-president, Brighton Orpheus Choir on Haydn Creation, March 2011 (*Nicholas Warden). "The soprano particularly had the most exquisite voice . . .", choir member B.O.C
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“It is such a privilege to have you as one of our soloists. Thank you for your stunning performance at the concert”. Judith Gonsalves, Musical Director, Reigate Choral Society
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The New York Times on The Fairy Queen at BAM, 2010 “. . . and Helen-Jane Howells sang appealingly in a comic piece about Adam and Eve.” http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/arts/music/25fairy.html
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" . . . and naughty Eve (wonderful Helen-Jane Howells) . . ." The Guardian review of Purcell's Fairy Queen, 2009 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/jun/28/classical-review-the-fairy-queen)
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"Helen-Jane Howells revealed a strong, dramatic soprano, with lovely soaring top notes". On Mendelssohn's Elijah, April 2009, Midsussex Times
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Review of the opera Love in Transit (role: 'Barbara', a diva!), Octorber 2008, "Whilst all the roles were very competently sung, the star of the performance, in more ways than one, was undoubtedly Helen-Jane Howells, the blonde ‘diva’. She has a beautiful clear soprano voice, and excellent diction. She is a singer to watch out for the future; already reassured, confident in the command of her vocal range, and with a strong stage presence". Leszek Marcinowicz, Capriccio
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“Helen-Jane as Gretel gave [a] lively performance with agile, well articulated singing. You could imagine [her] turning into [a] seriously accomplished artist, given time and polish”. Opera Now Nov/Dec 08
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"The first performer was the enchanting soprano Helen-Jane Howells. She has a very wide ranging voice full of power and tenderness. Handel's Tornami was a felicitous choice as it enabled her to show off the agility of her singing. She opened the second half with two songs by Poulenc, her French diction demonstrating great characterisation". The Mid-Sussex Times on a Gala Concert for Neil Jenkins in Haywards Heath, 2008
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“Beautifully sung with a real sense of style”, Roger Vignoles on Fiançailles Pour Rire
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“Awarded not only because of the beauty of her singing, but her professionalism throughout this competition”, the Russell Sheppard Scholarship 2008
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"The Russell Sheppard Vocal Scholarship has done much to promote the talents of artists, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success. It has been a tradition that winners go on to feature their talents with the Bridgend Male Choir. 2008 winner, Helen-Jane Howells from Llanelli did just that when she showed the audience how her soprano voice achieved success this year with some spell binding singing which had those present in raptures. Opening with Et Exsultavit from Bach’s Magnificat and Schubert’s Die Junge Nonne, she eased into Meirion Williams’ Pan Ddawr Nos. If possible, her chosen pieces after the break were even better. Chi sa, chi Sa by Mozart drew deserved acclaim before she launched into Tornami from Handel’s Alcina. To cap it all, this gifted soprano concluded her solo contribution with the ever popular O Mio Babbino Caro (Puccini) and Je Veux Vivre fromRomeo et Juliette". Concert review of the Margam Abbey Music Foundation Annual concert.
.
(most press reviews are to be found on the 'Review' page)
“Our soloists are normally very good but on Saturday they were outstanding. The bass* and soprano were first class!” the Vice-president, Brighton Orpheus Choir on Haydn Creation, March 2011 (*Nicholas Warden). "The soprano particularly had the most exquisite voice . . .", choir member B.O.C
* * * * * * * * *
“It is such a privilege to have you as one of our soloists. Thank you for your stunning performance at the concert”. Judith Gonsalves, Musical Director, Reigate Choral Society
* * * * * * * * * *
The New York Times on The Fairy Queen at BAM, 2010 “. . . and Helen-Jane Howells sang appealingly in a comic piece about Adam and Eve.” http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/arts/music/25fairy.html
* * * * * * * * * *
" . . . and naughty Eve (wonderful Helen-Jane Howells) . . ." The Guardian review of Purcell's Fairy Queen, 2009 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/jun/28/classical-review-the-fairy-queen)
* * * * * * * * * *
"Helen-Jane Howells revealed a strong, dramatic soprano, with lovely soaring top notes". On Mendelssohn's Elijah, April 2009, Midsussex Times
* * * * * * * * * *
Review of the opera Love in Transit (role: 'Barbara', a diva!), Octorber 2008, "Whilst all the roles were very competently sung, the star of the performance, in more ways than one, was undoubtedly Helen-Jane Howells, the blonde ‘diva’. She has a beautiful clear soprano voice, and excellent diction. She is a singer to watch out for the future; already reassured, confident in the command of her vocal range, and with a strong stage presence". Leszek Marcinowicz, Capriccio
* * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * *
“Helen-Jane as Gretel gave [a] lively performance with agile, well articulated singing. You could imagine [her] turning into [a] seriously accomplished artist, given time and polish”. Opera Now Nov/Dec 08
* * * * * * * * * *
"The first performer was the enchanting soprano Helen-Jane Howells. She has a very wide ranging voice full of power and tenderness. Handel's Tornami was a felicitous choice as it enabled her to show off the agility of her singing. She opened the second half with two songs by Poulenc, her French diction demonstrating great characterisation". The Mid-Sussex Times on a Gala Concert for Neil Jenkins in Haywards Heath, 2008
* * * * * * * * * *
“Beautifully sung with a real sense of style”, Roger Vignoles on Fiançailles Pour Rire
* * * * * * * * * *
“Awarded not only because of the beauty of her singing, but her professionalism throughout this competition”, the Russell Sheppard Scholarship 2008
* * * * * * * * * *
"The Russell Sheppard Vocal Scholarship has done much to promote the talents of artists, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success. It has been a tradition that winners go on to feature their talents with the Bridgend Male Choir. 2008 winner, Helen-Jane Howells from Llanelli did just that when she showed the audience how her soprano voice achieved success this year with some spell binding singing which had those present in raptures. Opening with Et Exsultavit from Bach’s Magnificat and Schubert’s Die Junge Nonne, she eased into Meirion Williams’ Pan Ddawr Nos. If possible, her chosen pieces after the break were even better. Chi sa, chi Sa by Mozart drew deserved acclaim before she launched into Tornami from Handel’s Alcina. To cap it all, this gifted soprano concluded her solo contribution with the ever popular O Mio Babbino Caro (Puccini) and Je Veux Vivre fromRomeo et Juliette". Concert review of the Margam Abbey Music Foundation Annual concert.
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