Press

La Traviata - Violetta- The Belgrade National Theatre

The Belgrade National Theatre played host to Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, directed by maestro Dejan Savic with the extraordinary performances by soprano Claire Coolen in the role of Violetta, and baritone Alberto Gazale as Giorgio Vermont. -  Serbian Monitor

Dialogues des Camélites - Soeur Constance - Sarasota Opera

Sarasota Opera showcases its best, most cohesive cast of the season with strong singing and dramatic, believable acting. Claire Coolen, also a studio artist, was one of the finest of the many Sister Constances I’ve heard. She has the crystalline voice of the youngest nun, but it’s bigger and fuller than most lyric sopranos, and although depicted as a dreamer who believes in miracles, her voice gives her a strength most in that role don’t have - Observer

The youthful giddiness of Claire Coolen's chatty Act I Constance stayed in memory as she marched to the guillotine. - Herald Tribune

Pirates of Penzance - Mabel - Knoxville Opera

Once Frederic spots Mable, one of the Major-General’s daughters, gorgeously acted and sung by Claire Coolen in an outstanding performance- Knox News Sentinel

Claire Coolen’s vocal range and control in the very demanding role are beyond superb - Inside of Knoxville

The roles of Frederic and Mabel were sung by tenor Joshua Kohl and soprano Claire Coolen. Both had those endearing qualities necessary for Gilbert and Sullivan: crisp English diction accompanying a strong, gorgeous voice.  - Knoxville Mercury

La Bohème - Musetta - Martina Arroyo Foundation

Claire Coolen makes a coquettish, bright-voiced Musetta - New York Times

Another knockout performance was that of Ms. Coolen whose robust soprano sailed over the orchestration and was accompanied by all the right gestures of a woman accustomed to manipulating men. Her delivery of "Musette's waltz" had an astonishing diminuendo that was spun out beautifully for a time in which we held our breath!  - Voce di Meche

Claire Coolen’s Musetta dazzles in Prelude to Performance’s La Bohème -  New York Observer

Vaulting beyond the “prelude” phrase, though, was Claire Coolen as Musetta, offering a performance rich in vocal splendor and comic sparkle. She could sing this part in any of the world’s great opera houses tomorrow. This artist elevated a vocal stunt—the traditional diminuendo on high B at the end of the celebrated waltz song—into a delicious character detail. As she sustained the note, Musetta glanced back over her shoulder to be sure her angry ex, Marcello, was listening, then serenely returned her gaze to the audience, cocking an eyebrow to celebrate her sheer fabulousness.  - New York Observer

However, the evening’s triumph belonged to his Musetta, the excellent Claire Coolen. The soprano’s singing and deportment belied her status as a young artist, and her musicality showed both an adept instrument as well as a close attention to detail.  - Parterre Box

Musetta was the expressive vital soprano Claire Coolen. This is a soprano to treasure and her Musetta found the perfect balance between firtatiousness compassion and shrewness. Vocally she was a strong interpreter with complete dynamic command of her role offering an interesting Waltz in Act II and the moving prayer in the last Act. - Review from Robert Lombardo

Rigoletto - Gilda - Opera Tampa

On opening night, the most thrilling moments came from soprano Claire Coolen as Gilda, who wielded a gorgeous voice with impressive control and a powerful stage presence -  Buzz worthy

The escalating trills in her performance of the aria Caro Nome are chill-inducing.- Tampa Bay Times

Turn of the Screw - The Governess - Banff Opera

Best of all, though, was the convincing portrait created by soprano Claire Coolen’s in the central character of the opera. - Calgary Herald

Summer and Smoke, by: Lee Hoiby - Mrs. Winemiller - Manhattan School of Music

As Mrs. Winemiller in Lee Hoiby’s Summer and Smoke the New York Times described her performance as "Winningly portrayed"

Claire Coolen stole the show - New York Daily Post  

Opera News Top 10 Opera CD of the Year, 2011 - Summer and Smoke , Albany Record