American countertenor John Holiday returned to the Bayerische Staatsoper for the 2026 Munich Opera Festival, earning praise for his compelling portrayal of Ruggiero in Handel's Alcina. Read highlights from the reviews below.
"John Holiday's Ruggiero combined lyrical warmth with heroic conviction, while Elsa Benoit dazzled as Morgana with her luminous voice and flawless coloratura, reaching a high point in an exhilarating "Tornami a vagheggiar." - Opera Magazine
"The American countertenor John Holiday also impressed with his wonderfully precise and sparkling vocal embellishments in a creative portrayal of Ruggiero." - Bachtrack
"John Holiday proved an equally compelling Ruggiero, combining lyrical warmth with impressive dramatic conviction. His countertenor remained remarkably even throughout its compass, the voice moving effortlessly between moments of heroic brilliance and lyrical introspection...." - OperaWire
"With a voice of crystalline purity and a masterful use of resonant head tones that filled the hall, his luminous color, sweetly shaped phrasing, and hypnotic metallic timbre made him irresistible." - Platea Magazine
"American countertenor John Holiday here proved an outstanding Ruggiero. Possessing an unusually warm, evenly produced countertenor, he combined vocal refinement with considerable dramatic intelligence." - ConcertoNet
