This 2006 comment from The Denver Post's Kyle MacMillan is typical of the critical reception Papian's portrayal receives: "Most important, she adroitly handles the role's nonstop vocal demands — the two-octave leaps, devilishly intricate ornamentations and fast-shifting dynamics — with near-perfect articulation and stunning phrasing, every note in place." And Philip Kennicott wrote in The Washington Post in 2003: "Her singing is gorgeous. The coloratura display was accurate and on pitch, and well woven into the larger, lyrical fabric of the role."
Papian sings Norma — with co-stars Dolora Zajick, Franco Farina and Vitalij Kowaljow — this evening and November 16, 19 and 23 at the Metropolitan Opera House. Maria Guleghina — who just finished a run as Lady Macbeth in Verdi's version of Shakespeare's "Scottish play" — takes over the role for four more performances November 25 through December 7. Information and tickets are available at www.metopera.org.