Sylvia McNair, George Hearn and Rod Gilfry brought their consummate artistry to Frank Loesser's The Most Happy Fella at Ravinia in July 2007. Hearn and Gilfry were sensitive, funny and sexy, and McNair brought all of her trademark vocal beauty plus a physical presence that proved both glamorous and frisky, beguiling her men in the ear and the eye. Jo Sullivan, Loesser's wife and the creator of Sylvia's role summed it up best when she noted that it was a perfect trio to bring this grand and glorious classic of American music theater to life.
Welz Kauffman
President and CEO, Ravinia Festival

Sylvia McNair gave a magical performance here (April 20, 2007) at the Sheldon Concert Hall. It was a highlight of our season, both for the outstanding vocal work and for her personal connection to the audience. Sylvia is an angel sent from the musical gods!
Paul Reuter, Executive Director
Sheldon Concert Hall, St. Louis, Missouri

"In recent years, such first-rank classical artists as Renee Fleming and Sylvia McNair have proved adept at jazz vocals. The idiom is in their blood"
Lawrence Scherer, Wall Street Journal

“What a glowing surprise to find Ms. McNair not only in such splendid voice, but thrillingly adept at exploring the subtexts of songs in a dozen variable moods. For a classical singer making a segue into the art of the popular song, her phrasing is exemplary. Her modulations are inspired. Her time is enviable. She knows how to rev up the power when it’s needed and then soft-pedal the tremolo for subtlety. She has a sense of humor. She is an accomplished violinist who can make a miniature fiddle sound like bluegrass. She is not an ice-water soprano. In fact, she is so down-to-earth that you would never mistake her for a snob. I could get used to this kind of ecstasy.”
Rex Reed, New York Observer

“She possesses a fine understanding of a love song; her sound has a light, lyrical elegance; her phrasing is perfectly lovely; and she plumbs the emotional depths of a love song with knowingness. She’s also a radiant, poised beauty.”
Robert L. Daniels, Daily Variety

"–her joy in performing this music was practically palpable. "
Brian Kellow, Opera News