reviews

Opera-Lytes’ IOLANTHE: Scrappy Production Punches Above Its Weight

by Peter Hall

November 22, 2025

“I was happy to see that two of my favorite actors were back. Mariami Bekauri sings the role of the Queen of the Fairies, and, as always, she brings her absolutely perfect animated acting style to the roles she plays. I was first wowed by Bekauri as Ulrica, the crafty gypsy in Verdi’s opera UN BALLO IN MASCHERA with Buffalo Opera Unlimited. Still, then she was Lady Sangazure in THE SORCERER, and then the wily Buttercup in G&S’s PINAFORE. If you’ve never seen her, it’s a treat.”

Opera-Lytes Celebrates 30 Years with Stellar Production of THE MERRY WIDOW

by Peter Hall

June 8, 2025

“We didn’t get to hear much solo work from my favorite OperaLytes performer, mezzo-soprano Mariami Bekauri (who covers for Hanna), but her trademark stage presence, the way she reacts to what others do or say, is always appreciated.”

Opera-Lytes presents HMS Pinafore

by Gail Golden

October 20, 2024

“The show got off to a delightful start with the first cheerful notes by the talented eight piece orchestra led by Ciaran Krueger, and the accomplished cast includes music teachers, voice students, opera singers and members of chamber choirs and choruses.

Kudos to Director Lisa Berglund and her company of uniformly strong singers. Heading the cast are Michael Warner as the Captain, Debbie Smith as his daughter, and Christopher Castleman as her love interest. Crowd favorites were Ken Schlimgen as Dick Deadeye of the droopy drawers, Mariami Bekauri who played up the gypsy in Little Buttercup, and Ted Smeltz as Sir Joseph Porter whose patter song had us all smiling.”

Never say “never!” You might like these operas, most sung in English

by Peter Hall

April 14, 2023

“With an on-stage picture gallery that comes to life (the set was by David King) it may have been Opera-Lytes’ most ambitious production in years. The cast featured several singers with advanced performance degrees as well as singers who have appeared on a variety of Buffalo stages… Mariami Bekauri (who absolutely killed it as Ulrica in a recent Buffalo Opera Unlimited production of Verdi’s UN BALLO IN MASCHERA) was Mad Margaret”

Passions ignite on stage at Rockwell in Verdi’s opera, UN BALLO IN MASCHERA presented by Buffalo Opera Unlimited

by Peter Hall

December 2, 2022

“It’s rare to assemble a cast of equally strong voices, which is what Verdi requires, so this performance of UN BALLO IN MASCHERA is a rare treat”

CINDERELLA, a family-friendly opera is one prince/princess of a show

by Peter Hall

November 2, 2019

“The two standouts, as one would hope, aided and abetted by Rossini’s masterful music, were the two leads, Prince Ramiro (Lorenzo Shawn Parnell, the only tenor on stage) and Cinderella (Mariami Bekauri) with an equally powerful and very listenable voice.”

“But there was also nuanced acting which is often not the case in opera and that’s where you need a Stage Director of Loughlin’s skill and experience. That direction wasn’t wasted on either Bekauri who is on stage a lot, nor on baritone David Waterland…”

Learn more

REVIEW: “The Marriage of Figaro” at the Smith Opera House

by Elena Ciletti

July 24, 2019

“As [Antonio’s] daughter Barbarina, Geneva’s own Mariami Bekauri, mezzo-soprano, is ardent and appealing.”

Learn more

THE MAGIC FLUTE, opera at Rockwell, presents “magical” voices.

by Peter Hall

December 2, 2017

“My thoughts of “Damn, this show is going to be much better than I expected” started with the trio of ladies in waiting (minions?) to the evil Queen, sung in beautiful three-part harmony by Meghan Attridge, Mariami Bekauri, and Kaliegh Sutula. I’ve heard a number of MAGIC FLUTES in my day, and they could have graced any stage.”

WNY Chamber Orchestra Concert Provides Wonderful Assortment

by Todd Pullan

December 16, 2016

“The warm and stylistic vocal tones by mezzo-soprano Bekauri were evident in the selection, “The Christmas Song.” Her dark features and pleasant smile were a significant asset to her velvet and satin Crimson gown and humble presentation.”

“The vocal calisthenics of the three soloists were beautifully executed in “O Come Emmanuel.” Their harmonics in the refrain “Rejoice,” filled the center with resonant tones that elicited bravos and vigorous clapping from the audience in recognition.”

“Bekauri added a nice mezzo bottom to the harmonic chord of this trio.”

Ambitious production of “Maria de Buenos Aires” haunts audiences

by Zack Bu

March 13, 2015

“The cast delivered strong performances, managing the complex score and libretto without being overshadowed. Singing in the original Spanish libretto, they showcased ample vocal ability and emotional complexity. Maria, played by Mariami Bekauri GS was a delight.”