Robert C. Samels

“To fulfill a requirement for his degree, on Wednesday evening, Samels led the Contemporary Vocal Ensemble in a challenging program of works by three members of the university's music faculty. And as he seems to keep demonstrating, he can excel at whatever musically he sets his mind and energies to.” - Peter Jacobi

“Bass Robert Samels offered resonance, beauty and flexibility of voice, no matter how taxing his assignment, and taxing it frequently was.” - Peter Jacobi

“The mechanicals who put on the "Tragical Comedy of Pyramus and Thisby" were led by Robert Samels, a full voiced and remarkably comic Bottom the weaver.” - George Walker

“The production is particularly strong in its casting of the thespian rustics who prepare and then perform "Midsummer's" play within a play, an unintended, hilarious satire of a tragic Romeo and Juliet-like tale about Pyramus and Thisby. The rustics' good-hearted but witless leader, the weaver Bottom, gets a juicy and well-sung portrayal from bass-baritone Robert Samels.” - Peter Jacobi

“Bass-baritone Robert Samels reflected the greatest growth during the sessions. The music for his wide ranging voice had him doing vocal acrobatics and he learned to handle them smoothly and confidently. An aria from Handel's little known opera "Sosarme" was delivered with well outlined smoothness and resonance. The aria "Nasce al Bosco" from the opera "Ezio" is a virtuoso showpiece and Samels, incorporating class suggestions, revealed a fine resonant agile voice that projected assurance and ease as he maneuvered through demanding coloratura skips and scales. It made a fine summation of his musical development.” - Nathalie Plotkin