acclaim

Isabella Stewart Gardner, American Apollo
Des Moines Metro Opera
“World class soprano Mary Dunleavy remained a model of deluxe casting as Isabella Stewart Gardner. Two years have done nothing to diminish the delights of her glistening vocal delivery, and if anything, her insouciant chatter, effortless fioratura, and infectious vocalizing were more appealing than ever. She was responsible for many chuckles as a counterpoint to the somber storyline. In the important scene when Gardner reunites McKeller and Sargent after an estrangement, Ms. Dunleavy showed that she was also capable of more weighted tone and moving gravitas. Her impersonation and vocalizing were delectable, and when the character disappeared she was missed.” - Opera Today

“Slyly negotiating between the lovers is the mighty arts patron Isabella Stewart Gardner, whom Mary Dunleavy, a mainstay of American opera for more than three decades, embodied with vocal agility and actorly finesse.” - The New Yorker

“Mary Dunleavy as eccentric art collector Isabella Stewart Gardner was no mere comic relief as an older somewhat meddlesome woman - Dunleavy used her portrayal as a testament to the importance of art and beauty, and sung, shimmeringly, with a crystal clear top.” - Opera Now

Donna Anna, Don Giovanni
North Carolina Opera
”…a momentous performance of ‘Or sai chi l’onore’ in which the voice pulsed with anger and determination…Dunleavy’s formidable technique allowed her to concentrate on the psychological nuances of ‘Non mi dir, bell’idol mio,’ begetting a ruminative atmosphere…this Anna manifested an aura of resolution, bolstered by the confidence of Dunleavy’s vocalism.” - Voix des Arts

Millicent Jordan, Dinner at Eight
Wexford Festival Opera (festival debut)
“It succeeds primarily thanks to a vintage acting performance by Mary Dunleavy.” - The Sunday Times of London

Alice Ford, Falstaff
Garsington Opera
“Alice Ford is sung and played with exquisite sound and wit by Mary Dunleavy.” – Town and Country

Alice Ford, Falstaff (role debut)
Opera Omaha
“Mary Dunleavy looked great and sounded even better. Her voice remained pristine, supple and effortless throughout the evening, suggesting that she could sing for another five hours before showing any sign of stress or fatigue.” – Opera News

Stepmother, Alma Deutscher's Cinderella (role debut)
Opera San José (company debut)
“The cruelty of Mary Dunleavy’s Stepmother was almost unbearable. Dunleavy’s clear soprano could switch instantaneously from hypocritical syrup to a full-throated shriek. The Stepmother’s rage-filled coloratura passages were part of the opera’s self-referential satire; Dunleavy furled them out with power and precision.” – The New Criterion