With Johan Botha

Chorus closes season in grand, albeit scaled-down, style
by Matthew Guerrieri, Boston Globe Correspondent | June 3, 2009
Puccini’s protagonists verge on forces of nature; both respective soloists embraced that larger-than-life aspect. Kip Wilborn, making his Boston debut, sang Calaf with unremitting bravado, braving Turandot’s riddles as much for competitive thrill as amorous reward. …Calaf’s steamroller confidence was entertainingly palpable.

Turandot (Chorus Pro Musica)
by Ed Tapper EDGE Contributor | Tuesday June 2, 2009
…The cast assembled for Sunday’s performance was uniformly first-rate, one that would not fail to impress in any of the world’s major opera houses. As the heroic Calaf, who nearly loses his head over the mysterious princess, tenor Kip Wilborn was excellent. Like that of Graham’s, Wilborn’s full-throated sound was scaled for a venue much larger than Jordan Hall. With its baritone color, his voice was secure in the low register. His thrilling high notes rang through the hall with trumpet-like clarity. His Nessun Dorma was nicely realized and very well received.

Carmen
American Tenor Kip Wilborn was a fantastic Don José with a ringing top.
– Gars am Kamp, Austria

Connecticut Opera’s “Carmen” sets and meets its usual high standards
Tenor Kip Wilborn, who sang the role of Don José, emoted feelings clearly with every utterance; he acted superbly, had strong stage presence and generally sang up a storm to the delight of the audience. His Don José was bombastic and thrilling to hear.
– OperaOnline, US

Hoffmann 2009

Boheme
Kip Wilborn is a tenor to die for. At least the audience at Knoxville Opera’s opening performance of Giacomo Puccini’s “La Boheme” thought so after Wilborn’s Rodolfo endured the death of Mimi, his true love.
– Knoxville News-Sentinel

CD Baby Review of “Be My Love”
Did you ever have a teacher in high school or college who had such a gift for teaching that you’d take any class they taught, even if it was brain surgery, just to be in their presence? Kip Wilborn reminds me of that scenario; the purity and clarity of his voice is so remarkable that I’d do everything I could to hear him sing, whether it was classical, jazz, reggae or polka. He clearly has the passion, the inspiration and the talent which he cradles and supports with his training and craft. Be My Love features popular favorites to beloved opera gems, each delivered with equal conviction and artistry, drawing from the greatest strengths of his voice and showcasing his superb musicianship. This is truly a beautifully presented album.

other press

Hoffmann 2009

Tenor Kip Wilborn’s voice is gorgeous and clear throughout its range.
- Madison

Kip Wilborn did an excellent portrayal of Sam. The tenor received a tremendous amount of applause at the conclusion of the opera. His strong and dramatic voice kept the opera moving- (Street Scene)
– Houston

“Wilborn negotiated the most difficult passages with ease.”
– Seattle

“Wilborn’s Tenor was clear and dramatic, growing stronger throughout the night.”
– New York

“…a handsome hunk, who sang with both sensitivity and power”
– Lake George

“…the most beautiful Pelleas I’ve ever heard”
– Seattle