Soloist in MUSIC ACCORD CHAMBER CONCERT TOUR

Spivey Hall, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Celebrity Series of Boston, Kennedy Center

“In the hands of Sanikidze, Lipman, and Barton, On Mars was a haunting, ominous and eventually hopeful meditation on the nature of humankind’s uncertain future. Barton was a superb choice for the material. She is able to project without relying on vibrato, and the result is a soaring, unadulterated vocal tone. That kind of masterful delivery is crucial in a piece like On Mars, where solemn reflection and lyrical clarity are key.”
–ArtsATL 

“Barton, Lipman, and Sanikidze masterfully manipulated each moment and its silences. In the Brahms, Barton’s resonant vocal production [and] impeccable dynamic control in her higher register allowed for expressive differences, holding the listeners through the storytelling. Clara Schumann’s collection offered Barton’s warm personality a canvas. Phrases pulled and pushed forward, beautifully controlled dynamic contrasts and spaces supporting the drama in the vivid poetry. Barton delivered most in the spectacular “On Mars” by Joel Thompson. The sensitivity and musicality were unmatched by all three musicians, the score able to bring out the most technically and dramatically intense aspects of every instrument. Barton’s musical choices contrasted from the German fare, with softer consonants creating an intimate setting, and leaner vibrato creating an otherworldliness that suited this piece. One could even hear the silence as the audience held their breaths at the finale: the silvery silkenness of Sanikidze’s piano, the purity of sound from Barton’s upper register, and Lipman’s shimmery open harmonics combined powerfully together.”
–Boston Classical Review

“Before Barton sang a note, she had won the audience over with her welcoming smile, and soon enough, with the warmth and expressiveness of her voice. Barton has championed vocal works by women, and in Clara Schumann’s Six Lieder, she was committed and spellbinding, as she was in the New England premiere of On Mars by Thompson.”
–Boston Musical Intelligencer

“Thompson’s setting for voice, viola, and piano evoked a rarified, otherworldly atmosphere. And despite over a century of stylistic distance from the rest of the program, it seemed a compatible partner in the overall programming scheme. The program’s thoughtful curation and inspired performances brought a unique cohesion to the afternoon at Spivey Hall. Barton, Lipman, and Sanikidze’s synergy and artistry elevated the evocative program—grounded in tradition yet open to innovation and new perspectives.”
–EarRelevant