Press

Les Pêcheurs de Perles, Festival d’Aix en Provence


“As Leïla, Elsa Benoit embodies the French style tradition, particularly in her vocalises. With virtuosity, a pure timbre, and finely shaded nuances, she offers a vocal palette that is both refined and richly detailed.” Olyrix

“Elsa Benoit offers a performance of remarkable fluidity and emotion, underpinned by unfailing musicality and impressive technical skill.” Bachtrack

“In a role debut, Elsa Benoit delivers a touching Leïla, agile in the delicate vocal passages, trills, and other staccato notes that conclude Act I, and then producing effortless, airy high notes in her Act II cavatina.” Opéra Magazine

  • “For her first appearance at the Aix Festival, Elsa Benoit took on the role of Leïla; an opportunity for the Breton soprano—perfect diction, impeccable vocal line, controlled high notes, and complete emotional commitment—to establish herself with absolute assurance.” ConcertClassic

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Alcina, Opéra de Paris

“Elsa Benoit is never short of energy and vitality. Thanks to her, Morgana is in a constant state of wonder, both at discovery and at love at first sight. Every ornament sounds fresh, every entrance colors the stage with bold, exuberant strokes, and each note gains daring new textures.” Opera Online

“Elsa Benoit stands out this evening for both her voice and her cohesive stage presence. There is real pleasure in her sensual vocalises and engaged acting — aerial agility paired with confidently shaped phrasing.” Olyrix

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Les Mamelles de Tiresias, Glyndebourne Festival

“The sparky Elsa Benoit" The Times

“Pride of place goes to Elsa Benoit’s sassy Thérèse” Bachtrack

“Elsa Benoit makes for an explosive Thérèse. Elegant, her voice soars over the orchestra” London Unattached

"Elsa Benoit provides the full music-theatre deal” The Arts Desk

“Admirably sung by French soprano, Elsa Benoit, who put in a thoroughly commanding and effortless performance that thrilled a packed house” The Opera Critic

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Semele, Opéra de Lille

“Elsa Benoit’s enchanting Semele, graced with a fresh, delicate, and radiant soprano.” Télérama

“Elsa Benoit’s triumph”. Soprano Elsa Benoit shines gloriously in the title role, embodying its physical, dramatic, and vocal demands with grace and power. Her full-bodied timbre, dazzling agility, and passionate stage presence are nothing short of flawless La Croix

“A reverent tribute to Elsa Benoit: her soprano is rich and rounded, gracefully sustaining every virtuosic flourish.” Diapason Magazine

“First and foremost, Elsa Benoit in the title role. With a generous timbre and delicately shaped phrasing, the French soprano creates an exalted Semele.” Les Échos

“The vocal cast is led by Elsa Benoit, who finds here a role worthy of her considerable talent. With a magnificent timbre, flawless agility, and complete commitment to the role—both vocally and physically—she delivers a thoroughly remarkable performance, earning a well-deserved triumph from the audience.” Forum Opera

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Carmen, Capitole de Toulouse

“Elsa Benoit reveals the full range of her soprano with a radiant vibrato that enhances Micaëla’s touching humanity. Her sudden shifts from soft attack to soaring forte in the upper register lend the character true lyrical stature, tracing her journey from initial innocence to final gravity — a transformation warmly applauded by the audience.” Olyrix

“A remarkable revelation came next with Elsa Benoit’s Micaëla… an instant favourite for the grace, elegance, and nobility of her voice. A velvety timbre paired with flawless diction gave Micaëla a dignity rarely encountered.” Forum Opéra

“Elsa Benoit captivates with the freshness of her timbre and her excellent breath control. The soprano demonstrates unwavering commitment, portraying a Micaëla who is both bold and sensitive, without ever tipping into naivety.” ResMusica

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Die Zauberflöte, Opéra de Nantes

“Elsa Benoit’s superb Pamina: a colorful and luminous timbre, evident musicality, and strong stage authority.” Diapason Magazine

“Benoit enchants with an effortlessly elegant vocalism, sovereign high notes, and emotion that always rings true. Her Pamina naturally emerges as one of the jewels of this production.” Première Loge

“Elsa Benoit brings to Pamina a blend of fragility and resolve, supported by impeccable vocal control and a noble, heartfelt expression.” Olyrix

“In a highly anticipated role debut, soprano Elsa Benoit touches the heart: her Pamina radiates sensitivity and intensity; the intelligence of her phrasing, the finesse of her lines, and the natural subtlety of her performance are all exemplary, especially in the aria ‘Ach, ich fühl’s,’ wrenching in its sincerity and gravitas.” Classic News

“In her role debut as Pamina, Elsa Benoit confirms her talent and delights the audience. The beauty of her timbre, the nobility of her character, and the solidity of her technique make her a dream interpreter of Mozart.” Forum Opera

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Hippolyte et Aricie, Opéra Comique

“Elsa Benoit lending Aricie her beautiful, healthy, velvety voice.” Concert Classic

“Warm timbre and impeccable singing” Diapason Magazine

“The rich, full timbre of Elsa Benoit” Resmusica

“Elsa Benoit displays an expressive elegance in her libations to the cult of Diana, attentive to the blending with the orchestra’s flutes that characterizes her interventions.” Avant Scène Opéra

Agrippina, Bayerische Staatsoper

“Elsa Benoit’s Poppea is utterly captivating, brimming with vibrant youth. Her arias are delivered with masterful technique and a confident poise.” ON-mag

“Elsa Benoit impressed with her fresh, bright lyric soprano, effortlessly delivered and endowed with a wonderful legato.” Das Opernglas

“It says a great deal about the stature of the Bavarian State Opera that the role of Seconda Donna is entrusted to ensemble member Elsa Benoit. Her Poppea exudes sensuality both onstage and vocally; she toys with the music as deftly as she does with her men. The luminous sheen of her soprano is irresistible.” Concerti

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La Dame Blanche, Opéra Comique

“Elsa Benoit is a remarkable Anna. Superb projection gives her voice undeniable authority. And when Anna recalls her memories… her impetuosity gives way to the most exquisite tenderness.” Bachtrack

“Elsa Benoit portrays an explosive and determined Anna, whose beautiful soprano will undoubtedly provide the evening’s most memorable moments.” Le Monde

“Elsa Benoit is an Anna of remarkable radiance and stage presence.” ConcertClassic

“Tasked with bringing Anna to life, the Breton soprano Elsa Benoit is the evening’s standout triumph. Her graceful, sparkling timbre, hitherto enjoyed mainly by the audiences of the Bavarian State Opera, leaves one hoping to hear her more often on French stages.” Telerama

“From the very first note, Elsa Benoit wins over every heart. A sharp-witted actress, the soprano has both the perfect technique and an ideal voice.” La Croix

L’incoronazione di Poppea, Opéra Royal de Versailles

“Elsa Benoit, a strikingly beautiful Poppea, is as perfect musically as she is physically. The richness of her voice, its sensual flexibility, warmth, and consistency across the entire range, with brilliant high notes, are evident from the very first duet and her ‘Non partir, signor, deh non partire.’” Forum opera

“The sensual Elsa Benoît brings to life a Poppea who is as daring in her seduction as she is enchanting, thanks to her opulent timbre and the supple elegance of her phrasing. The soprano delivers a seamless vocal line adorned with brilliant high notes.” ResMusica

“Elsa Benoit slips with astonishing ease into the hyper-sensual role of Poppea in this production. Most often appearing in a diaphanous outfit covering only her upper body, with her legs exposed to the top of the thighs, she handles the most suggestive moments of the staging with tact. Supporting her perfectly controlled gestures, the nuances of her timbre convincingly convey the many facets of her character.” BaroquiadeS

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