REVIEWS

Opera:

 

Il Trovatore, Opus 1 Opera, Victoria Theatre

Martin Dreyer, The Opera Magazine

"The best of several young talents on show was Mario Solimene's Di Luna. His preference for beauty of tone over characterization made him rather less than malicious, but his is a voice destined for far more important arenas."

 

Il Trovatore, Opus 1 Opera, The Helix - Dublin

John Allen, The Irish Times

 "Brazilian-born Mario Solimene brought a commanding stage presence and a burnished baritone to the role of the villainous Count of Luna. He was mightily impressive"

 

Il Trovatore, Opus 1 Opera, Grand Opera House, Belfast

Kevin Berry, The Stage

"Coming between them and true happiness is the dastardly Count di Luna, played by Mario Solimene. Here is a striking singer making his character  interesting and intriguing."

 

Tosca, Opus 1 Opera, The Helix – Dublin

Andrew Johnstone, The Irish Times

"More commanding still was the splendid Brazilian baritone Mario Solimene who, as the villainous Scarpia, oozed malicious arrogance."

 

Don Pasquale, Clonter Opera

Eric Snape, The Sentinel

"The Brazilian Mario Solimene was tailor-made for the part of Dr Malatesta, Pasquale's dubios friend - sharp as a razor and infinitely stylish, possibly the best dresser of the lot. "

 

Falstaff, AIYF Opera Garden

The Press and Journal

“The minimalist mobile walls are the perfect frames for the larger than life characters. None more so than the wonderful Mario Solimene, whose Falstaff is as big on intelligence and voice as he is on girth.”

 

Falstaff, AIYF Opera Garden

Alan Cooper, The Herald

“Baritone Mario Solimene from Brazil, suitably bluff, devious, irrepressible but ultimately loveable as Falstaff led an admirably well-integrated cast.”

 

Falstaff, AIYF Opera Garden

Evening Express

"Brazilian Mario Solimene showed commanding presence as Falstaff, and his well-constructed portrayal brought humour and pathos to the central character.”

 

Un Ballo in Maschera, RNCM

Robert J Farr, MusicWeb’s Live Opera

“However, the voice of the evening was that of Mario Solimene as Renato. His singing of ‘Eri tu’ was quite outstanding with firm tone, good diction and a wide range of colour. The best Verdi baritone singing I have heard at the college, and a good few other places too, for some time. A second year post graduate from South America, his bearing and histrionic gifts match his vocal qualities. A singer name I will watch and listen out for in the next few years.”

 

Concerts

 

Messiah, Oldham

The Oldham Evening Chronicle

“But the bass, Mario Solimene - from Brazil via the RNCM - was outstanding. He has a voice with a wonderful sonority, and a commanding presence to match. His rhythm and accuracy in the demanding semiquaver passages of "Why do the nations so furiously rage together" made the scalp prickle.”