Waltraute / 2nd Norn in GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG

Houston Grand Opera

"Mezzo Jamie Barton is already an international phenom with that dazzlingly creamy voice and commanding stage presence. As Waltraute, she shines most bright. Her account of father Wotan's fall into despair is an achingly beautiful mini-scene that displays her glorious voice to full effect. With power to spare, she soars over the lush orchestration...to penetrate the wrenching heart of her tale. It's a glorious performance from this gifted young artist."
–D.L. Groover, Houston Press

"The opera opens with the extraordinary scene of the Norns, or fates, hanging from the stage and singing to one another as they try to piece together the past, present, and future. Arwady, Barton, and Melton create an extraordinary hymn-like texture as they struggle to sort the tangled ropes of destiny."
–Joseph Campana, CultureMap Houston

"A fleet of extravagant women joins Goerke in this final installment, beginning with the three Norns—Meredith Arwady, Jamie Barton and Heidi Melton—who twist the strands of fate in the prelude with opulence and ease."
–Sydney Boyd, Houstonia

“Barton’s smoky Waltraute and Second Norn added more luxury casting.”

–Paul du Quenoy, Musical America

“Goerke and her Valkyrie sister Waltraute, sung by Jamie Barton, are two strong women, two strong dramatic singers, matching each other in anguish and intensity in a memorable scene.”
–Sherry Cheng, Arts+Culture Texas

“The central couple was surrounded by compelling portrayals. Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton, a powerful Fricka earlier in the Ring, made an equally formidable Waltraute. Not only did her voice well up commandingly when her monologue foreshadowed the final catastrophe, but she brought weight and intensity even to the quietest moments.”
–Steven Brown, Texas Classical Review