" The mezzo-soprano Erin Murphy offered an emotionally nuanced portrayal of Azucena, the Gypsy whose mother was burned as a witch and whose death she hopes to avenge. Her earthy, dark voice effectively conveyed Azucena's anger and anguish. " New York Times (Vivien Schweitzer) July 17, 2009 Azucena in Il Trovatore New York Grand Opera Central Park's Naumburg Bandshell New York July 15, 2009 Azucena, a gypsy, was sung by Erin Murphy whose burnished mezzo and theatrical aplomb plumbed the depths of this role and "chewed up the scenery." Like Verdi's Amneris in Aida, a good Azucena can be, and properly so, the pivotal person of the drama. Ms. Murphy's singing of "Stride la vampa!" (in front of burning pile of firewood) followed by "Condotta eli' era in ceppi" was haunting and her cries of "II figlio mio" were horrific, ending with a dark hued "Sul capo mio le chiome sento drizzarsi ancor!" translated as (My hair still stands on end when I remember") Murphy's trance like singing with Manrico of "Ai nostri monti) in the final act was a beautiful blend and her chilling "Sei vindicate, o madre"at the finale after informing di luna that he just killed his own brother, (Manrico) was opera at its best! Italian Voice (Nino Patano) July 23, 2009 Azucena in Il Trovatore New York Grand Opera Central Park's Naumburg Bandshell New York July 15, 2009 " The two female characters deserve special attention. Erin Murphy (Los Angeles, USA) as the gypsy Azucena, whose only mission is to plot revenge for old injustice, is vocally very fit. Mezzosoprano role of Azucena ranks among the premiere roles of this dramatic genre and poses great demands on the vocal apparatus, projection and range. Erin Murphy manages all very well and knows how to use appropriate registers for different dramatic situations. Especially the scene of Azucena's madness and the fourth-act scene sounded most convincing." from Hradec Noviny (translated from Czech) Azucena in Il Trovatore Hradec Kralove Music Festival Filharmonie Hradec Kralove Czech Republic July/Aug 2005 Photo: Azucena  Il Trovatore Bourgas Opera and Philharmonic Society Bourgas, Bulgaria Jul 2005 "This is the REAL DEAL."    "The sound just pours out - rich, juicy, and impressive."   "This is one of our future Wagnerians..."  "Magnificent voice"  "You have a world class voice."   "...a major instrument..." "You're hired!"