“Tenor Stephen Costello sounded fresh and virile…”   - James Jorden, NY Post 28 September 2011

“In the triathlon of soprano roles, Anna Netrebko secured her place in operatic history. Tenor Stephen Costello, after a successful tonsillectomy (preceded by worries over his vocal condition), now has a shot at following her into such exalted realms.

Costello, Philadelphia’s contribution to tenordom, not only sang well, but also with a deeper sense of vocal personality. The warm Italianate tone that has always ingratiated him with audiences feels less like a superficial effect and more like something that arises, in perhaps leaner form, from his basic vocal foundation. Less-than-meticulous moments were inevitable amid such vocal complexities, but he projected better than ever, if only because the voice now seems more rooted.”   - David Stearns, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 28 September 2011

Costello not only sang well, but also with a deeper sense of vocal personality

“As the hapless Percy, Anna’s former lover — and possibly husband — tenor Stephen Costello sang with fervent lyricism and coped extremely well with the many daunting high notes in the role.”   - Mike Silverman, Associated Press 27 September 2011

“Tenor Stephen Costello won a hearty ovation for his Riccardo (Lord Percy, Anna’s former lover). This was a big assignment for the gifted and game young tenor. Costello captured the character’s consuming adoration for Anna through his impetuous and anguished singing.

The role includes a touchstone tenor aria, “Vivi tu,” in which the condemned Riccardo implores his friend Lord Rocheford (Anna’s brother, here the solid bass-baritone Keith Miller) to evade the king’s wrath and go on living. Costello mostly navigated the music’s demanding passagework and exposed high notes. To hear this rising artist stretching himself was part of the excitement.”   - Anthony Tommasini, The New York Times 27 September 2011