reviews
The Diary of Anne Frank
"Pechstein masterfully conveyed Anne's transformation from wide-eyed, ecstatic birthday girl to an almost grandmotherly, somber young woman... [H]er portrayal of Frank was deeply affecting, revealing an understanding of Frank both as a young woman and as an extraordinary symbol... "
Alicia Zuckerman, Opera News Online
“[T]he operatic version currently playing … is a sensitive and dignified portrait, thanks to careful decisions made by the composer, Grigori Frid, and to the spirited performance the work receives here, with Dunja Pechstein outstanding in the central role. Skipping through a minefield of potential embarrassments, Ms. Pechstein moves like a child while singing with adult strength. …”
Paul Griffiths, New York Times
"[B]y the time the hour had passed in which one brilliant young soprano with rare acting ability had dazzled the audience with a knockout performance, we came to realize that Anne Frank fit the demands of the mono opera almost perfectly... Dunja Pechstein […] can sing. Her singing is beyond criticism… [W]e are looking at the incredible illusion of a 13-year old, not a mature woman portraying a 13-year old, so convincing is her body language."
Barry L Cohen, New Music Connoisseur
"Having seen Ms. Pechstein's remarkable performance... we are proud and honored to have been part of such a moving and artistically superb enterprise. This production... is not only musically affecting and provocative. It also sheds a new light on the Diary..."
Bernhard von der Planitz, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, New York City
“For this occasion, an Ohio première, Cleveland Opera is importing the highly praised production of New York's Encompass New Opera Theatre. Dunja Pechstein will reprise her tour de force portrayal of the teenage Anne, beginning with the birthday when she receives the diary. “
Kelly Ferjutz, Music and Vision
“Frid’s “The Diary of Anne Frank” is a stark and moving piece, uncompromising in its musical integrity, superbly sung and acted by soprano Dunja Pechstein.”
George Robinson, The Jewish Week
“Dunja Pechstein, a German soprano, is ideal in the title role – at times playful, perplexed, pensive, and passionate. She gives an inspirational and intimate portrait of Anne Frank.”
Elias Stimac, Back Stage
“Dunja Pechstein handles the difficult vocal score with remarkable ease even as she plays Anne with unbridled but unsentimental passion. … Perhaps because of the text, perhaps because of Pechstein’s vivid portrayal, one leaves this production feeling not only despair at what was lost but also gratitude for the hope and faith and conviction that were the hallmarks of this young girl’s soul.”
Judy Gelman Meyers, Hadassah Magazine