"I am delighted to write this review for Richard Williams, whom I have had the pleasure of working with in my capacity as Music Director of Cantare, Super Orchestram, Belle Voci, and the Latin Mass Choir at Holy Rosary Cathedral. Richard is an exceptional vocalist whose contributions have greatly enriched our performances.
Richard possesses a remarkable voice, characterized by its rich tone, clarity, and versatility. Whether performing as a soloist or as part of our choral ensembles, his vocal quality consistently shines through, captivating audiences with its warmth and precision. As a soloist, he brings depth and emotional nuance to every piece, while as a team chorister, he blends seamlessly with the group, demonstrating impeccable control and sensitivity to the collective sound.
Beyond his vocal talent, Richard’s enthusiasm and virtuosity are truly inspiring. He approaches every rehearsal and performance with infectious energy, elevating the spirit of the entire ensemble. His technical skill and musicality allow him to tackle challenging repertoire with confidence, making him a standout performer in both sacred and secular settings.
Richard’s dedication to live performances is unwavering. He consistently invests time and effort to ensure that each concert is a memorable experience for our audiences. His commitment to excellence is evident in his meticulous preparation and his ability to deliver polished, heartfelt performances under pressure.
Moreover, Richard is a consummate professional and a joy to work with. He is reliable, collaborative, and always open to direction, making him an invaluable asset to our musical community. His positive attitude and willingness to contribute to the team’s success foster a harmonious and productive environment.
In summary, Richard Williams is a gifted vocalist, a dedicated performer, and a true professional whose enthusiasm and virtuosity enhance every project he undertakes. I wholeheartedly recommend him for any musical endeavor and look forward to our continued collaboration."
Paula DeWit,
"Richard Williams took the role of soloist with a perfect mastery of his voice and technique." ______________________________________
Pascal Mayer,
Conductor of the Swiss National Youth Choir
"Soloist for St. John Passion with Frankfurt Philharmonic Orchestra.
...this rendering of the Passion resulted in a two-hour top performance by the Canadian. Williams rose to the occasion with bravura. He was able to convey excellently the different moods of the Passion. The level of applause rose especially for Williams, which was fully deserved."
Review by Daniel Herrmann for Frankfurter Rundschau,
Frankfurt, Germany
"...his style was less air and and more fragile - expressive patience in each song... On the rare occasion that Williams stretched his operatic voice, and he is certainly capable of some power, he became much more animated and expressive."
Review by David Lennam for Kamloops This Week
"The hearts of the listeners were warmed by the smooth and tender voice of guest baritone soloist Richard Williams during Les Nuits D'Eté by Hector Berlioz. The six songs in this cycle were performed with an exquisite understanding of the sensuous French style. Williams performed effortlessly without the excessive vibrato that often burdens voices in the lower range. "
Review by Daniela Cinel O'Fee for Kamloops Daily News
"Richard is without doubt one of the finest singers I have heard in this city. He possesses a rich, smooth baritone voice that seems to flow effortlessly in the entire range. He is musically secure and impeccably accurate in matters of pitch and rhythm. In summary, he is an exciting singer to listen to."
Leonard Ratzlaff,
Conductor, Richard Eaton Singers, Assistant Professor, University of Alberta, Edmonton
"This past Sunday, music lovers of the Sunshine Coast were treated to a performance of Schubert's Die Winterreise, generally considered to be the greatest of all song cycles. Created at the end of his life by the man whose songs are more widely sung those of any other composer of classical music. Each of the 24 songs is a masterpiece of its kind. To present it in full requires a singer of exceptional ability and stamina and an accompanist possessed of unusual interpretive subtlety and musical imagination. These qualities are rare enough that the cycle is seldom given, even in the larger cities. I will not mince words here. The performance we were treated to was of world-class calibre. I will not make invidious comparisons, but Richard Williams and his accompanist Harold Brown need defer to no one."
Review by Dick Hammond of Die Winterreise by Franz Schubert