“Above all, James Rutherford shone as Hans Sachs. It is now ten years since he undertook the role at the Bayreuth Festival and at this performance he surpassed himself in the Third Act. He sang a riveting monologue with his powerful, robust baritone voice and was particularly moving at the moment of giving Eva over to Walther. Rutherford was especially masterful and relaxed in the role, identifying closely with it and always attentive to detail. One must also mention his excellent diction and understanding of the role and, after some initial tentativeness, he gave a sophisticated, deeply affecting portrayal.”

“It is this direction that indicates the solid and structured approach of James Rutherford. His homogeneous, legato, silky tone, reminds us of hymns and popular dances, sung in a very natural dynamic with expansive sound. This Winterreise takes us under the ice, in these secret places where, beyond despair, loneliness, the petrification of the cold, the multiple and tiny shivers of life sparkle. Gorgeous. Sound: 10 Record: 10 Repertory: 10 Interpretation: 10″ 

“James Rutherford’s Wotan sounded finer, more accomplished and more nuanced than ever. He has already sang this role at some large German houses and now seems to have completely embodied and perfected it. He has admirably worked on the role interpretation and was able to convincingly portray every last ounce of Wotan’s inner turmoil. As an angry, furious god of war and immediately afterwards as a loving father, he knew how to utter every word in the most suitable vocal timbre. Rutherford has found the role of a lifetime with Wotan.”