Oksana Dyka, Constantine Orbelian, and the Kaunas City Symphony’s In Questa Reggia recording is an Opera News Critic’s Choice!
“Ukrainian Soprano Oksana Dyka’s debut solo album is a welcome throwback… In Questa Reggia, which takes its name from the title track, is a statement piece, featuring twelve of the most well-known and difficult arias in the Italia spinto and dramatic soprano repertoire. … Dyka colors her voice far out of the lines in strident, trembling hues, often stretching it just short of the breaking point. It’s uneven, full-throttled singing that’s exciting and almost addictive because of how close to danger she brings you. And, for most of the arias, like those from Turandot, Nabucco, Tosca and Macbeth, fear, danger and tension are essential to the drama. For almost two months, I listened to this album about twice a week and, while Dyka never inspired any epiphanies about these well-known opera characters, I was also excited and transported by the singing and the sheer power of her voice, even if the technique itself terrified me.”
—Steven Jude Tietjen, Opera News
