“I was thrilled to see mezzo-soprano Chrystal E. Williams singing the leading role the night I was in attendance. I have enjoyed her performances with AVA for years now…. she was utterly breathtaking as Rosina—poised, polished, in complete command of the vocal calisthenics the role demanded. Judging from the applause each time she sang, she was a crowd favorite early on, and deservedly so. More so than any other performer that evening, you could tell that Ms. Williams is but a hair’s breadth away from a glittering professional opera career. She is a joy to listen to and watch—the complete package—whom I have no doubt will be gracing the great stages of the world upon the conclusion of her studies with AVA. She defines ‘di qualità.’”
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Peter Dobrin, Philadelphia Inquirer
“the thrilling mezzo-soprano Chrystal E. Williams” –WhatsOnStage
“Chausson’s Chanson perpétuelle was beautifully suited to the voice of mezzo Chrystal E. Williams, an ideal blend of velvety and clarity…. her specificity of tone, text and emotion carried.”
Birmingham Post
“Chrystal E Williams’ heartfelt Act 2 monologue (in Michael Tippett’s The Icebreak) may in its quiet way have been the evening’s musical high point.”
MassLive.com
“Mezzo-soprano Chrystal E. Williams had only Act I to develop the character of Cheverus’ Caribbean servant Yvette, and make her mark on the opera, but she did a memorable job, bringing a resonant, rich-hued sound to bear on her few pages of singing.”
Boston Classical Review
“mezzo-soprano Chrystal E. Williams sang with palpable emotion as Yvette, Cheverus’ housekeeper…”
Berkshire Bright Review
“Chrystal E. Williams deftly assumes the role of Yvette, Cheverus’ housekeeper from Guadaloupe who seems to inject French, or Island French, into her communication with him and with the outer world and gives it her mezzo-soprano all. It is very nice interpretive work.”
ConcertoNet.com
“Chrystal Williams’ mezzo is perfectly suited to Olga’s knowing exuberance and Williams shows what a consummate singing-actor she is.”
theoperacritic.com
“Chrystal E. Williams was a sultry Dulcinée with a voice that was powerful over a wide range.”