"...diva Marisa Lenhardt...stepped out on a balcony to sing opera tracks remixed by DJ Gavin Hardkiss. Puccini and Donizetti were dancing in heaven, an art form different in every way from rolling in their graves."
-Leah Garchik, San Francisco Chronicle, 6/19/03
Full article here.

"...Ggreg Taylor's Forgotten Opera...featured a captivating live performance by soprano Marisa Lenhardt, a 1997 graduate of the SF Conservatory of Music whose career has ranged from singing the works of Chris Brubeck with opera legend Frederica von Stade to annually singing arias in the Death Guild Thunderdome out on the playa at Burning Man. As the slender, darkly beautiful Lenhardt perched on the balcony overlooking the packed main dance floor - lords, ladies, queer nuns and everyone else transfixed by her delicate aura - DJ Gavin Hardkiss (aka Hawke) got his original "Forgotten Opera" mix going, over part of which Lenhardt layerd a soul-stirring version of Puccini's 'O Mio Babbino Caro' from Gianni Schicchi. Then came a spectacular techno/opera mix using elements from Donizeti's Lucia di Lammermoor and the sound track to The Fifth Element, composed by Eric Serra. The piece had a rarefied, otherwordly quality that Lenhardt drew out with soaring ease."
Mark Mardon, Bay Area Reporter, June 2003

"We were fortunate to find Miss Marisa Lenhardt of Alameda, late Saturday evening. Marisa stepped up and agreed to perform for us the following day. A super-talented opera singer, Marisa has performed on stage in such works as "Aida" and "The Magic Flute". Our sincere appreciation goes to Marisa, who thrilled the record 62,428 fans in attendance with her lovely soprano voice. We hope to see more of Marisa in the future..."
-Mary Barnes, Raiderettes Director, November 8 2000


If you'd like to add a quote, please email me (marisa_lenhardt@operamail.com ).