"The robust-voiced Russian bass Vladimir Matorin had a triumphant Met debut as the wizened monk Pimen, who knows too much of Boris's (Godunov) past for his own good."

“The bass, Vladimir Matorin then joined the Bolshoi Chorus for a performance of the traditional Russian Orthodox setting of the First Psalm, "Blazlhen Muzh," in an arrangement by Pavel Chesnokov. Matorin has one of those elemental voices that seem to blossom from the dark, rich loam of the steppes: his burly Rasputin beard only heightened one's sense that he was imparting some mystic wisdom from the East.”

“The evening closed with the great Coronation Scene from Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov with Matorin as the haunted monarch (if I were a rock critic, I'd use the word ‘eponymous’ right about now) . ...both defiantly extroverted (in the passages for the chorus) and achingly soul searching (Boris). It proved a fitting cap to a brilliant and variegated program.”

“Pimen the monk historian, was resoundingly sung by Vladimir Matorin.”

“Vladimir Matorin (Pimen) also interpreter of the title role making the most of his confrontation with Boris demonstrated the range of excellence available among Russian basses today.”

“Even more than a singer, Vladimir Matorin is a true actor. …gives this Czar a human dimension.”

A triumph well worth the wait

“Vladimir Matorin is a towering presence. Big of physique, and with the sort of subterranean bass that Russia produces; he uses the stage as an act of possession. The great monologue in Scene five and the death of Boris are moments of transcendental theater, not easily forgotten.”

Russian opera magnificently staged

“New Zealand Opera provides us with a rare opportunity to see one of the world's great operas in an awesome multimillion dollar production. In the title role, the Russian bass Vladimir Matorin proves exactly why he has won such international acclaim as Boris, with a dramatic, gloriously voiced portrayal.”

Murder, Madness, and Mayhem

“The Boris of Vladimir Matorin towered physically and vocally. His acting is largely statuesque: an occasional embrace had to convey much, but there was nobility in his stillness and always expression and emotion in his massive voice.”

Godunov more than good enough

“Just to hear Russian bass Vladimir Matorin is worth traveling to Wellington for. To be able to see him in such a superbly performed opera makes it a lifetime experience. Tall and imposing, with a magnificent voice and acting ability to match, it is not surprising to learn he has earned the title of People's Artist of Russia.”

Landmark in opera history

“Distinguished Russian bass, Vladimir Matorin, gave a gut wrenching, towering performance as the tortured Boris with depth in his sonorous singing.”

Polished to Perfection

“As Boris Godunov, the bass Vladimir Matorin, provided a standout performance. His voice had a dark, steely sonority to it. He had a commanding presence. He had a relaxed acting style and displayed a strong sense of the character's optimism and despair. The presence of Boris permeates the whole opera and this, along with the menacing music, gives the production an anguished drama.”

A Quiet Gathering

“Vladimir Matorin is a colossus, with a voice as big as his frame. And what a voice black and veiled as we expect from a Russian, but also capable of silky smoothness, flashes of brightness and constant focus and intensity. He dominates the stage physically and vocally, crumbling visibly as guilt gnaws into him.”

Mighty Matorin plus locals make magic

“The mighty Vladimir Matorin was Boris. The full wonder of his vocal and theatrical skill was revealed in Scene 5, where he shifted, within minutes, from solicitous father to tormented murderer. Here was dramatic truth that would have had Stanislavsky's approval, and a vocal subtlety that could have transferred to a lieder recital . ...as the great man broke apart, you could have heard the proverbial pin drop on the carpet.”