TESTIMONIALS

“Mr. Davis brought deep insight and brilliant inventiveness to both productions. As important, in his attitude towards the performers, he is considerate, tempered with a winning personality.”
- Anton Coppola, Composer/Conductor, La Coupe et les Lèvres; Conductor, Gianni Schicchi

"... A creative, inspired and inspiring director, and an administrator of vision, order and action ... His own singing makes him very sensitive to the needs of his cast and keeps him true to the composer! I hold Michael in high regard, and feel that he would make an excellent contribution to any company or program.”
- Patricia Craig, Professor of Voice, New England Conservatory of Music; Soprano, Metropolitan Opera; Master Teacher, BASOTI

“… versatile and multi-faceted director … an authority of experience and insight … choices were always innovative and fresh ... an evening of exciting entertainment… superb musicianship and intimacy with the French language ... a polished and world-level operatic experience."
- Howard Bender, Founder and Festival Director, TodiMusicFest

"... the praised and prized facultv member … the greatest of honor, skills, and talent … the finest principles of integrity and support .. ..most successful in bringing our artists to the highest standards of participation and productivity. "
- Edna Garabedian, Founder & General Director, California Opera Association

From young professionals
"... all of the elements that make a truly great director ... clear, detailed, considerate … added insight to help his cast develop their characters to the highest possible levels."
- Sharmay Musacchio, mezzo-soprano, Los Angeles Opera, De Nederlandse Oper

“... his vast knowledge of operatic repertoire and culture make him a remarkably rich resource. I owe a great deal of my own confidence on stage to his ease in stagecraft that he imparts with grace and clarity."
- Letitia Singleton, mezzo-soprano,, Opéra National de Paris

" ... He knew exactly what to do to get a great dramatic and vocal final product ... cares a great deal … a great personality … easy to get along with … a clear communicator ….”
- Stephanie Weiss, soprano, Deutsche Oper Berlin

"... innate musicality and unparalleled ability to communicate the depth and meaning of a piece to a singer …. Merry Widow … clean, funny, touching and exceptionally well staged .… His Madama Butterfly … stunningly beautiful …. poetic, distinctively Asian and cohesive movement … [Mr. Davis] also designed the set … beautiful, streamlined and well balanced. I only wish all the directors I worked with had his talent.”
- Tamara Gallo, soprano, Stadttheater Mannheim; Theater Mainz, Germany

"... Very few can match his range and depth of knowledge and experience. As a director, his performer's instincts are invaluable. As a vocal coach …great knowledge of the repertoire and a solid understanding of style. I have experienced tremendous growth … much of which is a direct result of my working with him."
- Tom O'Toole, bass-baritone, Sarasota Opera, Boston Lyric Opera

".. Productions [of Madama Butterfly and The Merry Widow] lively and stunning, with an entirely different approach to each style. Mr. Davis has facility with languages and ideas of musical interpretation... helpful, supportive and dedicated ... always aware of the amount of time necessary to make a phrase, gesture or movement become natural ….
- Tyson Deaton, Musical Director, Young Artists Program, Fort Worth Opera; Assistant Conductor / Coach, Opera in the Ozarks