Ariadne auf Naxos
Composer, Ariadne auf Naxos, Richard Strauss, Seattle Opera
"Her boyish, idealistic Composer, Kimberly Barber, was enchanting, her voice perfectly placed and full of subtle colors."John F. Hulcoop, Opera News, May 2004
"The singing was essentially glorious...Canadian mezzo Kimberly Barber was a sensation as the Composer. She is not huge of voice but is accurate, expressive and projects well; she's also a demonstrative actress and thoroughly deserved her enthusiastic applause at curtain."
Robert Jordan, Opera Canada, Summer 2004
"Kimberly Barber threw heart and soul into the role of the Composer, from her first appearance (she faces the audience with a score on a music stand, and begins to conduct at the precise moment that Schwartz gives the downbeat for the orchestra, an inspired bit of stage business). Barber looked the part and sang it with all the passion of the despairing but hopeful artist."
Melinda Bargreen, Seattle Times, March 1, 2004
Composer at Chicago Lyric Opera
"Barber quickly warmed to the difficult part (it's the principal role in the opera's first act). A natural trouser-role actress, she captured the feel of a young man torn between artistic purity and the first stirrings of romantic passion. Barber formed an immediate bond with Laura Aiken's Zerbinetta, the object of "his" affection."
Andrew Patner, Chicago Sun-Times, November 24, 1998