Reviews

La Cenerentola

Bayerische Staatsoper- 2025

“Tisbe, is sung wittily by Simone McIntosh and in beautiful harmony with Gvritishvili, in a completely successful [Bayerische Staatsoper] debut.”

— Opera Magazine

Simone McIntosh, Elena Grishuva, and Andrew Hamilton appear in period costumes on stage at Bayerische Staatsoper. Elena and Simone pose in white dresses with a wide skirts and lace details. Andrew looks at them in disgust. Photo by Geoffrey Schied.

Handmaid’s Tale

San Francisco - 2024

“In several scenes Roberts is matched beautifully by mezzo-soprano and former Adler Fellow Simone McIntosh, who performs Offred’s pre-revolution self. In one of the work’s most successful unfoldings of vocal magic, the two women—the before and after Offreds—share a powerful duet, exchanging past and future dreams.”

— Opera Wire

Simone McIntosh and Irene Roberts sitting on a bed facing each other in SFO's Handmaid's Tale. Irene dressed as a Handmaid and Simone in casual attire. Simone is represents Irene's former self. They look at each other in despair. Photo by Cory Weaver

L’Orfeo

Zürich - 2024

“Simone McIntosh dresses her interceson in such bewitching, flawless tones that one (including us) cannot resist. Just now - and there with painful emphasis - she had also embodied the Speranza, which accompanied Orfeo to the hell gate and had to leave him when a door leaf opened - with squeaks and creaking, like a last warning to the reckless mortal.”

— Senior Web

A scene with Simone McIntosh, Miriam Kutrowatz and Mirco Palazzi on stage against a grey, futuristic wall. Miriam lies in a coffin in a wedding gown. Simone and Mirco are standing and sitting respectively, dressed in shiny, metallic-style clothing.

Don Giovanni

“McIntosh’s skill in the bel canto repertoire lends itself to a beautifully sung Zerlina. Her ‘Vedrai, carino’ was sweetly sung without being saccharin. Her chemistry with both Bintner’s Don and her betrothed Masetto was lovely to watch.”

— Schmopera

Simone McIntosh and Joel Allison appear in the COC's Don Giovanni as Zerlina and Masetto. In 19th century clothing standing close together, about to kiss, in front of wooden panels. Simone's costume is a period wedding dress. Photo by Michael Cooper

Toronto - 2024

The Barber of Seville

Scotland - 2023

Simone McIntosh appears in The Barber of Seville with Scottish Opera as Rosina. She is in pink period costume performing on stage with an expressive face and gesturing with her hand. She appears to sing a high-note. Photo by James Glossop

“The young Swiss-Canadian mezzo was the centrepiece this production had been waiting for—a classy, confident comedienne with a strong top voice, a rich lower register and an evenness in between, unfolding the recitatives engagingly and coming into blossom in her arias. Decoration were articulated musically, the vocal line emerging with gracefulness rather than as a technical tour de force. Not only did her voice fit the Theatre Royal like the proverbial glove, she also looked the part, demure innocence blending with feminine guile.”

— Opera News

Xerxes

Wintertur - 2023

Simone McIntosh appears in Serse, playing Arsamene (travesty role). She lying on a padded bench with a surprised or distressed expression. A crowd of party goers in pirate-themed costumes look at her with various reactions. Photo by Herwig Prammer

“Xerxes’ brother Arsamene, portrayed by Simone McIntosh, is more complex. She portrays the young rebels between anger and pain with blazing mezzo-soprano and physical intensity.”

— Rauchszeichen

Maometto secondo

“The vocal star of the show, for me, was Vancouver native Simone McIntosh, lithe and lovely, whose crystalline high mezzo fully commanded Anna’s wide range and whose unforced expressivity shaped every phrase with eloquence; her final aria was exquisitely nuanced without seeming the least bit precious.”

— Opera Canada

Simone McIntosh and Scott Purcell dressed in formal attire are performing in Maometto Secondo with Teatro Nuovo. Simone appears emotional, and Scott looks at her intently, with a large backdrop of blue historical drawings. Photo by Steven Pisano

New York - 2022

concerts & Competitions

IOS Gala

Zürich 2023

“Mezzo-soprano Simone McIntosh impresses with her full, colourful, wonderfully carried voice. […] McIntosh interprets «Dieu! Que-viens je d’entendre? Il m'en souvient" from Berlioz's "Béatrice et Bénedict" as if she had decades of stage experience and still maintained her youthful freshness.”

— Online Merker

Montreal International Music Competition

Montreal 2022

“Certainly, fearless versatility and charisma seem to be Simone McIntosh’s trademark. As mentioned, the mezzo-soprano was awarded the first prize and met with roaring applause from the audience – and it’s not hard to understand why. Her voice promptly adapted to each piece, retaining its full, pleasant tone in both Strauss’ lyrical stirrings and Rossini’s challenging coloratura.”

— Bachtrack

BBC Cardiff Singer of the World

Cardiff 2023

“McIntosh delivered an ambitious opera excerpts program that showed off her musical and dramatic range, with arias by Handel; Donizetti ; Strauss ; and Berlioz. The last aria was particularly impressive, showcasing delightful acting, perfect French diction and a ravishing, clear tone that easily filled St David’s Hall.”

— Opera Canada

Adler Finale Gala

”Simone McIntosh has a magnificent voice, full of burnished tone, astonishing range and ample power. Though slight of build, Simone McIntosh probably generates more vocal power per pound than any other singer! She absolutely stole the show in this concert, producing the true highlight of the entire evening!”

— Berkley Daily Planet

San FRAncisco 2021