“…the big news this year was the Music Academy debut of world-renowned conductor James Conlon, associated with many a top orchestra but most strongly connected with the LA Opera for many years now. In the pit, Mr. Conlon summoned in mighty but ever-sensitive ensemble sound from the Academy Festival Orchestra… Thanks to Mr. Conlon, Mr. Darrah and the combined forces of musical good at the Music Academy, the triple marriage farce reached that special status at the Granada, as an operatic apex of our summer.” — Santa Barbara News-Press
“When it comes to producing musical ideas that are inspired by the sound of the particular instruments on which they are played, Mozart is unequalled, and in this The Marriage of Figaro is a tour de force…Under the baton of James Conlon, the evening’s four acts flew by in a balanced and spirited flow of continuous creation.” – Santa Barbara Independent