The Deepest Desire with Jake Heggie and Carol Wincenc at Merkin Hall:

"Elise Quagliata sang the works with a rich, expressive voice and passionate delivery."
-Vivian Schweitzer, New York Times, 2009

Carmen:

"The sultry Elise Quagliata is one of the finest Carmens I've ever seen--and  remember, the role has been sung by the likes of Denyce Graves and Julia Migenes-Johnson, who set a high standard indeed. Quagliata certainly heated up the stage on Sunday, and what this stunning mezzo-soprano lacked in power she made up in tone and vocal dexterity. Her body language was extraordinary; this Carmen was in control long before her famous 'Habanera'."
-Thomas Harrison, Mobile Register, 2006

"...after watching her command the rehearsal hall for three-plus hours as the central figure in Bizet's magnificent opera, I would argue that Quagliata has more than just a little Carmen in her. In fact, she left me feeling as if I had just seen the role performed--really performed--for the very first time...Quagliata is simply riveting."
-Andy Metzger, Pensacola News Journal, 2006

"The 27-year-old New York City native oozes a raw sensuality that, at times, seems like she's going to spontaneously combust. The girl is on fire."
- Sam Baltrusis, Independent News, 2006

Cornelia:

"As Cornelia, Elise Quaglaita was a graceful presence, displaying a rich mezzo voice and singing movingly in her lugubrious arias."
-Lawrence A. Johnson, The Miami Herald, 4/30/2008

Guest Recital, University of West Florida:

"[Quagliata] is not only an excellent and professional singer but an outstanding actress, as well.  She is well known, not only for the strength and vibrancy of her voice but also for her energy and enthusiasm, not to mention the way she fills her role and costume to absolute perfection. With all of these traits combined, she has quickly become quite popular, not only in the world of opera but also in the world of entertainment.
-Cat Spears, The Voyager, 3/27/08

An Evening of Philip Glass:

"Hydrogen Jukebox was heavily represented, a unique theater piece that examines decades of 20th century social change, bracingly reflected in Allen Ginsberg's lively, idiosyncratic poetry. Mezzo Elise Quagliata gave a heartfelt, beautifully poised account of Song #8 from Cabin in the Rockies."
-Lawrence A. Johnson, The Miami Herald, 2/7/2008

Fates of Flesh and Stone, recital with Jake Heggie, piano:

"Next were two selections from "The Deepest Desire," featuring poetry by Sister Helen Prejean, of "Dead Man Walking" fame. Of these, the most striking was the last, "Primary Colors," a spare, exquisitely gentle piece that's perfectly suited to the serene simplicity of Prejean's text. In the midst of this highly exposed, deceptively difficult music, mezzo-soprano Elise Quagliata was radiant; her vocal control and phrasing were masterful."
-Phil Salathé, Poetry Inspires Performance At UConn, Hartford Courant, 3/31/2007

Nicklausse:

"Elise Quagliata's deftly characterized Nicklausse was amply intoned..."
-Mark Thomas Ketterson, Opera News Online, 2005

"The Muse, who turns herself into the man Nicklausse, faithful friend of Hoffmann's, was sung by the fine mezzo Elise Quagliata in a striking, bold tone with superb diction and excellent acting."
-Ben Allaway, Des Moines Register, 2005

Rosina:

"Elise Quagliata pouted prettily as an elegantly gowned Rosina, her voice bright... and her acting coquettish."
-Mark J. Estren, Washington Post, 5/7/2007

"Quagliata, who played the constant prey in the tug-of-war of love in the opera, Rosina, gave a most brilliant account of her misfortunes and love, and convinced us of her misery in the hands of the doctor."
-David Teitelbaum, A Night at the Opera: The 'Barber' Comes to Campus, SUNY-Rockland Outlook, 5/16/2006

An Evening of Cabaret:

"Mezzo-soprano Elise Quagliata, who is pursuing a Masters in Music at the University of Michigan, was a vision of beauty and glamour...For a mezzo, she is remarkably clear and capable in the high registers. She sang "Bali Hai" with warm dreaminess and "If I Loved You" with a glorious grace...Quagliata ended the song with a spine-tingling flourish."
-Mary Kunz, The Buffalo News, 2003