Maggie Foyer, Dance Europe, January 2009:

 

Canadian Sabrina Matthews’ quondam, an intriguing and sensitive work for four dancers and two on-stage singers to Pergolesi’s haunting Stabat Mater, completed the evening. The balance of soprano and mezzo voices was echoed by the dancers; the clarity and vitality of Minji Nam’s technique gave an edge to Marie Lindqvist’s serene presence, creating a beautiful blending of strengths. The two men, despite less than flattering costumes, gave fine interpretation of Matthews’ choreography, strong on classical form but fresh and original. The well-balanced programme of premieres proved a promising debut for new director Marc Ribaud. With new additions to the ranks, the company looked stronger and more exciting than they have for some time.

Lena Andrén, Theater News, November 10, 2008:

 

A playful Mats Ek, one of the biggest choreographers on the international dance scene, Nils Christe, and the new acquaintance Sabrina Matthews leave a nice optimistic feeling in the Royal Ballet autumn program.

 …

Marie Lindqvist and Jan Erik Wikström interpret Sabrina Matthews´ quondam with a presence and subtlety to translate the elevated tones of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi´s Stabat Mater which a contemporary person can relate to. Soprano Erna Rebecca Rasmussen and Jeanette Ekornåsvåg have a nice presence…

 

The three pieces leave a nice optimistic feeling and I can only hope the new ballet boss Marc Ribaud good luck!

 

The new entire evening's program, Christe, Matthews, Ek, shows that the present direction is by no means calculated at the Royal Ballet. The talented dancers in full practice may be what the audience longs to see…

 

Canadian Sabrina Matthews´ quondam consists of exquisite lines of clean cuts with singing duets to live out Pergolesis´ Stabat Mater … the two inextricably linked pairs, Marie Lindqvist – Jan-Erik Wikström and Minji Nam - Olof Westring are the star luster in the piece´s naked charisma.

Gunilla Jensen, Swedish Daily Paper, November 10 2008:

 

Triple abstract pieces for the Royal Ballet.

Dancers and audience meet three big composers and three active choreographers…

 

Canadian Sabrina Matthews is an entire new acquaintance for Sweden. Her motion language is emotional, if not romantic, in a style that is grown by several Canadian choreographers, including Karen Kain. Matthews has chosen Pergolesis´ loaded Stabat Mater as a springboard for a scenic sextet, consisting of four dancers and two vocal soloists. With simple means she creates a changing room where time and memories shift in line with the screens and cones of light that change switching positions…

Örjan Abrahamsson, In Town (Påstan), November 9, 2008:

 

The Royal Swedish Ballets´ lavish triple program "Christe, Matthews, Ek" is one of the funniest in many years. Superb dancers cause the audience to rejoice. And already the music itself is worth the ticket.

 

…even the best triple program in many years. The Royal Ballet shows enpointe in a lavish dance triple: three new works, all danced with orchestra, in addition to three soloists. Already the music is worth the ticket. Soprano Rebecca Rasmussen and mezzosoprano Jeanette Ekornåsvåg make a poignant interpretation of Pergolesis´ Stabat Mater, and are on stage along with the two dance pairs in Sabrina Matthews´ choreography "quondam."

 

Also this is an exercise in style in the higher, but more stationary school for connoisseurs. Veterans, Marie Lindqvist, Jan-Erik Wikström and Olof Westring shone, but core member, Minji Nam was most impressive. So much air under her wings.