“The soprano ABIGAIL RAIFORD, in the often overlooked role of Lisa, was the standout on Sunday. Silvery and resonant, her voice could easily be heard above the chorus.”

- The New York Times

“Soprano ABIGAIL RAIFORD sang with ravishing sonority and a beautiful sheen, offering proof that Bellini doesn’t always need to be sung softly and supplely. Raiford played the role as a spirited and petulant vamp, and was fun and flirty in her scenes with the mysterious Count Rodolfo.”

- NJArts

“When we think of La Sonnambula, we think of the famed final scene, which includes the two most famous arias of the piece. However, on this evening, it was Lisa’s character that seemed to receive the biggest ovation. In the role, ABIGAIL RAIFORD showcased a sweet and full lyric sound that also allowed for flexibility in coloratura. In her second aria, “De lieti auguri,” Raiford displayed clear trills and accurate roulade phrases in the opening of the aria. Then, as she repeated the main theme, Raiford interpolated numerous runs and high notes that were crystal clear but also playful and incredibly virtuosic. What is generally seen as a secondary character, turned into a showstopping moment following the aria. Raiford also displayed a lush legato line in her first aria, “Tutto è gioia” that opens the first act. [...] As she settled into the musical phrases, her repetition was solid and [she] showcased a mournful Lisa longing for Elvino. That was emphasized by her tasteful interpolations that never veered from Bellini’s musical line. Raiford was also solid in the choral moments, and her stage presence played into Lisa’s jealousy and her scheming nature.”

- OperaWire

“The breakout star, however, was ABIGAIL RAIFORD as the flirty, scheming Lisa (who finds she can hate Amina, at least for a little while). Her voice is silvery, agile and full of attitude, as is her physical presence. Raiford has all the sass and sharpness in spades for any soubrette role. Despite Amina’s obvious goodness, I couldn’t help but root for her to win the day—not the jealous and fickle Elvino, but the Count, or even better, a ticket out of this adorable town—all a testament to Raiford’s vivacious charm. ”

- Observer

“ABIGAIL RAIFORD offered a petulant, highly spirited portrayal of Lisa, the village innkeeper and rival to Amina. With her bright, firmly focused soprano, she sang her Act 2 ‘De lieti auguri’ with sparkling coloratura and ravishing sound.”

- Classical Source

“As Lisa, ABIGAIL RAIFORD made the most of a secondary role, singing with precision and dramatic flair. La sonnambula gives the character limited opportunities, but Teatro Nuovo’s inclusion of her Act II aria allowed Raiford to display both technical assurance and stage presence. Her soprano was bright and well-focused, with a slight edge that suited the character’s jealousy and social ambition. With phrasing marked by bite and intention, Raiford brought comic timing and expressive clarity to Lisa’s increasingly frustrated maneuvers, making her more than just a foil to Amina. If Castillo projected stillness and sincerity, Raiford offered tension and energy – a vivid contrast that added shape and dynamism to the surrounding scenes. ”

- Seen and Heard International

“The pure-voiced ABIGAIL RAIFORD [...] drew the opera’s most radiant music.”

- Opera News

“RAIFORD, a Tulsa native and current member of the opera’s Filstrip Resident Program, displays a powerful, luxurious soprano voice, as well as a wonderfully comic way of weeping, as the woebegone Elvira.”

- Tulsa World