NATALYA GENNADI

BIOGRAPHY

Ukrainian-Canadian soprano Natalya Gennadi is establishing her career in North America in a wide range of repertoire. Natalya caused a sensation when she stepped in at short notice in her debut in the leading role of Oksana G., Tapestry Opera’s harrowing tale about human trafficking. Her critically acclaimed performance of this world premiere was nominated for the prestigious Dora Mavor Moore Awards.

 

As Mimi in La bohème with Highlands Opera Studio, Dawn Martens of Opera Canada wrote: “Natalya was a gorgeous Mimi; not only did she look the part of the consumptive heroine, she allowed her powerful voice to ebb and flow, producing gorgeously rich tones in Act I and sweeter, melodic phrases in Act 1V.”

 

During the pandemic, Natalya led the cast as Adriana in a fully staged digital performance of Adriana Lecouvreur with VoiceBox Opera in Concert. Recent opera roles include Violetta (La Traviata) and Donna Anna (Don Giovanni) with Opera York, Countess Almaviva with Southern Ontario Lyric Opera’s Le Nozze di Figaro, and Mimi in La bohème with Brott Opera. Natalya joined Toronto Concert Orchestra for a concert of opera favourites and Tapestry Opera in their popular summertime outdoor Box Concerts.

 

In 2023 Natalya debuted as Gerhilde in Die Walküre with Pacific Opera Victoria, and starred as Medée (Cherubini) with Voicebox:Opera in Concert. Natalya joined Slow Rise Music in their compelling concert of contemporary works “Here be Sirens”.

 

Natalya is a recipient of a REACH Development Grant from the Schevchenko Foundation and shares her love of Slavic music as a professional diction coach. With Opera in Reach, Natalya co-produced the highly successful online fundraising event “Art for Peace”, featuring Canadian and International artists, benefitting Ukraine.

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Reviews

Updated Feb 2024

 

 

REVIEWS

As Adriana in Adriana Lecouvruer with VoiceBox:Opera in Concert –

“A successful Adriana needs a really charismatic performer in the title role and here, OIC delivers. The role, with its relatively low tessitura, seems to sit comfortably for Natalya Gennadi and she produces some really fine singing especially in the lower half of her range. She’s also a very convincing actress.”

John Gilks, Opera Canada

 

In “Verbotenlieder” with Tongue in Cheek Productions –

“Natalya Gennadi sang Lensky’s Aria from Eugene Onegin, and if you missed it, I’m sorry for you. I’d say it was some of the best singing I heard this year, not just this night.”

Gregory Finney, Schmopera.com

 

As Mimi in La Bohème with Highlands Opera Studio –

"Natalya Gennadi was a gorgeous Mimì; not only did she look the part of the consumptive heroine, she allowed her powerful voice to ebb and flow producing gorgeously rich tones in Act I and sweeter, melodic phrases in Act IV."

Dawn Martens, Opera Canada

 

As Oksana G with Tapestry Opera –

"...this is an involving, important work featuring some very fine performances, with soprano Gennadi giving a star-making turn in the lead."

Catherine Kustanczy, Toronto Star

 

"Natalya Gennadi committed to the role of Oksana heart and soul through every note. When she pleads in vain for help over the din of a nightclub where she and other women are being sold, it is devastatingly believable and painful to watch. Her voice is equipped with a powerful core surrounded by endearing sweetness that soared effortlessly through the vocal ups and downs that mirrored the turbulence taking place on stage."

Keira Grant, Mooney on Theatre

 

"Cast in the headliner role of Oksana, Ukraninan Canadian soprano Natalya Gennadi brings a boundless depth of pathos to her character, a naïve, innocent country girl savagely trapped, her body hurled into hell. This is an exceptionally young artist, a singer actor glimpsed at the outset of her career, fresh, spontaneous, exploding with energy, her voice sparkling and bright with a remarkable loft that belies its lightness. Tracking  Oksana’s journey from innocence to terror to catharsis and self-belief, Gennadi flings herself headlong into the darkness, carrying us with her, in a brave, uplifting performance. We listen and watch and we are shattered."

Ian Ritchie, Opera Going Toronto

 

"Gennadi, who is of Ukrainian background, delivers a stunning performance that is piercing in its openness and vulnerability."

Glenn Sumi, NOW Toronto

 

"Natalya Gennadi puts in a fine performance as the title character, who begins as a young naive girl, hardening as the evening progresses but never ossifying, her heart retaining some pliability throughout. Gennadi’s lyric soprano was a pleasure to listen to, and she tried, mainly successfully, to modulate her performance as the story progressed."

Robert Harris, Globe and Mail

 

"Natalya Gennadi makes a very convincing Oksana.  She looks the part, sings well and is a very accomplished actress."

John Gilks, OperaRamblings

 

"Natalya Gennadi, a young Ukrainian-Canadian is ideal for the role of Oksana.  With a pure, strong, liquid soprano, Gennadi describes Oksana’s wide dramatic arc from youthful happiness to betrayal, despair and, most movingly, the recovery of her sense of self-worth."

Christopher Hoile, Stage Door

 

"As the titular Oksana G., Natalya Gennadi embodies the character's tragic journey wholly and honestly from start to finish. Even in her darkest moments, she still manages to let Oksana's positive lights shine through. Her strength is palpable."

Schmopera.com

 

As Anna Bolena –

"Natalya Gennadi offered Anna’s mad scene aria from Anna Bolena.  There was some real acting here and some really nice singing with unusual colours ... reminiscent of Radvanovsky.  One of the evening’s highlights."

John Gilks, OperaRamblings

 

"Soprano Natalya Gennadi brought us an Anna Bolena that was nuanced, and beautifully delivered."

Greg Finney, Schmopera.com

 

As The Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro with Brott Opera, Hamilton –

"The Countess was exquisitely portrayed by Natalya Gennadi. Regal and restrained but deeply wounded, her Dove sono... was a highlight of the evening."

Hugh Fraser, Hamilton Spectator

 

"Like Cherubino, it was almost impossible not to fall in love with the Countess!"

David Goodings

 

"...Natalya Gennadi Matyusheva and her rendering of the heartbreakingly wretched plea ‘porgi amor’ certainly touched every audience member."

Ontario Arts Review

 

As Suor Angelica with Oshawa Opera –

"The tragic heroine, Sister Angelica, is performed with conviction and moving emotion by Natalya Matyusheva... Her musical depiction of her character’s unbearable loss is achingly heartfelt."

John Arkelian, ArtsForum.ca

 

As Zemfira in Aleko with Opera 5, Toronto –

"Soprano Natalya Matyusheva is excellent as Zemfira, the adulterous wife."

Musical Toronto

 

"The Rachmaninov was musically the highlight of the night with solid and very Russian singing from soprano Natalya Matyusheva as Zemfira"

John Gilks, OperaRamblings

 

"Natalya Matyusheva as Zemfira, and Joshua Whelan as Aleko were wonderfully intense..."

barczablog.com

 

As Hanna in The Merry Widow with Savoy Theatre Company, Ottawa –

"...but the star was lovely blonde soprano Natalya Matyusheva, outstanding as the merry widow herself..."

National Capital Opera Society Newsletter