Reviews . . .

"Young tenor Arnold Rawls is physically perfect for the victorious hero, Radames. He's certainly a triumph for Florida Grand Opera management who took a chance on him when the lead tenor got sick. His tone, at times, is reminiscent of the young Pavarotti. It has a nice 'ring' to it with a lot of heft."
- Coral Gables Gazette

"The young tenor grew stronger with the four-hour-plus evening, complete with a very Italianate sob in his voice, thrilling free vibrato, and impressively heroic phrasing."
- Miami New Times

"When tenor Andrew Richards cancelled due to indisposition, Arnold Rawls (who was scheduled for three performances) took over the role of the Egyptian warrior Radames for the entire run. Rawls possesses a firm, pliant lyric tenor with ringing high notes that easily dominated the ensembles. His Celeste Aida was distinguished by sweetness of timbre and emotional fervor. (There is a long history of lyric tenors singing this role - Bergonzi, Gigli, Bjoerling. Rawls follows that tradition.)
- Entertainment News & Views

"Rising to the challenge as Radames when Andrew Richards fell ill, tenor Arnold Rawls delivered with gallant skill."
- Miami Herald

"Arnold Rawls was pressed into service as Radames for the entire run when Andrew Richards pulled out. Never having sung the role in a staged version before, Rawls deserves praise for a valiant effort."
- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"Arnold Rawls is ardent as the suitor Calaf. He sings with a powerful, clarion-sounding tenor that is seldom strained by this demanding role."
- Des Moines Register

"Arnold Rawls is excellent as Ramerrez (Dick Johnson), hitting the high notes clearly and filling the theater with his powerful voice."
- Daily Herald (Provo, Utah)

"Manrico's big aria, Di quella pira, is well done by Mr. Rawls ... a fine voice. Love scenes between Manrico and Leonora are convincing ... he has a flair for acting."
- Albuquerque Journal

"Tenor Arnold Rawls was the featured soloist in Puccini's Messa di Gloria and demonstrated a fine grasp of technique and musical fluency."
- Daily Oklahoman

"Tenor Arnold Rawls was an effective hero who poured out thrilling head tones."
- The Spectator (Raleigh, NC)

"Arnold Rawls played the Duke of Mantua, the Don Juan-like seducer who toys with women's affections. His strong tenor served him well in the opera's most famous arias like Questa o Quella and La donna è mobile."
- Contra Cost Times (San Francisco)