“The standout voice was Xenia Puskarz Thomas, bringing presence and sculpted stringency to La Messagera’s lines with her direct-speaking mezzo (and also singing La Speranza).”

“Arguably the most memorable performance belongs to Xenia Puskarz Thomas…As the Messenger she gives a hauntingly stringent delivery of the terrible news of Euridice’s death… She reappears as Hope at the gates to Hades with no less musical conviction.”

“The standout performance was Australian mezzo Xenia Puskarz Thomas as the messenger. A powerful focussed tone that held a fragile clarity yet carried the emotional weight of Euridice’s fate with ease. It’s a very moving moment in the opera, and Thomas’ presence both physically and vocally refreshingly commanded the stage in a way nothing else had done.”

“Australian mezzo-soprano Xenia Puskarz Thomas shines as The Woman in George Benjamin’s opera Picture a Day Like This.”

“Xenia Puskarz Thomas sings very expressively, in a wide range from very low to luminous high notes.”

“Puskarz Thomas displayed an ear-grabbing sound from the moment of her entrance, holding the audience’s focus whenever she was on stage.”

“Xenia Puskarz Thomas portrays Aglaja as a clever, independent woman with her bright, luminous mezzo.”

“Outstanding soloists came to the production from the Opera studio of the State Opera: Xenia Puskarz Thomas as the youthful, carefree lover Melanto, who vocally and playfully brought humour and laughter.”

“Xenia Puskarz Thomas, as Cherubino, is a delight. She owns the stage, sings like a dream, and looks convincing.”

“Thomas’ highly-affectionate phrases and utter sweetness in her voice…”

“I have never seen such a convincingly played pants role as Xenia Puskarz Thomas. She is of the new generation of actor/​singers who are changing the way we think of opera.”