PRESS
“Emma Marhefka was a scene-stealing Musetta—sassy, full of comic verve, stylish and vocally agile.”
Opera Now
Musetta | La bohème | The Santa Fe Opera
“Pennsylvania Emma Marhefka…shows great promise of future recognition of first rank international opera star… As Musetta, Marhefka demonstrates both the ebullient vocal presence and comic timing essential for a role that dominates the opera’s second scene. [She] delivered Musetta’s second scene anthem…“Quando me’n vo’, with passion. She was a comic delight in her frenzied interactions with… Alcindoro. In contrast, in the opera’s somber final scene, she showed focused dramatic intensity.”
Opera Warhorses
Musetta | La bohème | The Santa Fe Opera
“…American soprano Emma Marhefka in a vocally and dramatically stylish performance as the fiery Musetta”
Interludes
Musetta | La bohème | The Santa Fe Opera
“Emma Marhefka’s exuberant Musetta”
The Wall Street Journal
Musetta | La bohème | The Santa Fe Opera
“Emma Marhefka, who was a Santa Fe Opera apprentice last year, shines as the stylish and flirtatious flapper, Musetta. Like the rest of the cast, Marhefka is a very fine comic actor and dancer, as well as a singer… Marhefka does a dance routine that’s both sexually provocative and hilarious.”
Albuquerque Journal
Musetta | La bohème | The Santa Fe Opera
“Musetta, sung by Emma Marhefka, got to have all the fun of the evening. Her courtesan life-style physically embodied the director’s choice of setting, the Jazz Age – she was a flapper nonpareil. Marhefka, as well as D’Eramo, are both former Apprentice singers with Santa Fe Opera, a sign that the casting staff is well aware of how to spot future stars.”
Culture Vulture
Musetta | La bohème | The Santa Fe Opera
“…soprano Emma Marhefka in a captivating SFO debut”
Santa Fe Reporter
Musetta | La bohème | The Santa Fe Opera
“soprano Marhefka is solid and well cast as his seductive mercurial mistress”
NMMW
Musetta | La bohème | The Santa Fe Opera
“Other standouts included…Emma Marhefka, whose soaring soprano turned the minor role of priestess into an unforgettable moment.”
Arizona Daily Star
Priestess | Aida | Arizona Opera
“…the biggest shout out must go to soprano Emma Marhefka as Sandrina. Her voice was nothing short of spectacular, focused yet full of energy, vibrancy and beauty which makes her destined to be among the finest Mozart interpreters of this generation.”
Cincinnati Classical Concert Reviews
Sandrina | La finta giardiniera | CCM Opera
“Soprano Emma Marhefka in the title role of Vixen Sharp-Ears possessed an impassioned, alluring and charismatic sound as she demonstrated that any creature, whether animal or human, cannot be contained.”
Cincinnati Classical Concert Reviews
Vixen | The Cunning Little Vixen | CCM Opera
“…Frasquita and Mercédès, sung by Emma Marhefka and Imara Miles, delivered mischievous charm every time they graced the stage. Even when they were relegated to the background, the two women captured the eye. Marhefka and Miles showed off their vocal prowess in the well-known card trio of act three, and their contrasting vocal tones were a complimentary musical combination. Both singers nailed the comedic aspects of their roles, but they also displayed deeper emotions, particularly in the final act as they plead with Carmen to steer clear of her crazy ex. Frasquita and Mercédès are the only voices of reason in the face of the impending tragedy.”
Schmopera
Frasquita | Carmen | Des Moines Metro Opera
“…young lyric soprano Emma Marhefka shines both vocally and dramatically in the central role of Susanna, a part which Mozart conceived for the English soprano Nancy Storace as the heart and soul of the opera, which here Ms. Marhefka is hands down.”
Rafael Music Notes
Susanna | Le nozze di Figaro | CCM Opera
“Marhefka was one of the stars of this show. She charmed effortlessly- even in a mask- and her singing was lyrical and expressive. Her Act 4 “Garden Aria” was simply enchanting. Performed to the accompaniment of winds and pizzicato strings, it was a moment in which time stood still amidst the madcap happenings.”
Cincinnati Buisness Courier
Susanna | Le nozze di Figaro | CCM Opera
Photo credit: Natalie Powers