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

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