"Vocal Arts D.C. presented [...] the first local recital of Toby Spence [...]. The English tenor’s fine performance at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater brought that mysterious Czech song cycle to life, as well as Robert Schumann’s poignant “Dichter¬liebe,” in the original high keys.[...] Spence seemed at ease, glowing with all of his [...] charismatic confidence [...]. His voice had heroic fullness when he needed it, including a resonant high A in Schumann’s “Ich grolle nicht,” taken here at a slower tempo to accentuate the sense of bitter disbelief in the text.Spence’s take on “Dichter¬liebe” emphasized a jaw-clenched defiance over outright rage, aided by the avid storytelling of pianist Carrie-Ann Matheson, a narrative quality so important in this cycle, in which the piano is a co-starring character. Spence took his time with many of the tempi, giving a rueful quality to “Hor’ich das ¬Liedchen klingen” and a stark, seething tenseness to “Ich hab’ in Traum geweinet.”" Washington Post, Charles T. Downey, 17 January 2013

"[...] tenor Toby Spence sang with clean eloquence — in Polish too" The Times, Geoff Brown, December 2012

"Spence was in town for Antonio in the (other) Met's Tempest. A lyric tenor of wide-ranging musical interests and stylistic acumen, he's enjoyed a varied and successful international career in opera and concert. […] expressive artistry, dynamic suppleness and a pleasant timbre prevailed; […] he demonstrates full knowledge of the required sounds and the meanings conveyed. Coloristic effects here extended to fine diminuendos […] The final "Urlicht" was musically superb and charged with emotion.

[…] Spence gave a fine, fluid account of the cycle, attentive to shifting mood and the transitions between songs. A lovely, clearly heartfelt "Ich ben der Welt abhanden gekommen" made a moving encore. Let's hope Spence will return for many more local recitals."  

Opera News / David Shengold / November 2012

"Toby Spence, who created the role of Ferdinand, here sang the role of Antonio, Prospero’s scheming brother. Robust of tone, and looking as youthful as ever, he made a strong impression, even if playing the villain doesn’t look like natural territory for him."

Mark Pullinger Opera Britannia web review

"The tenor Toby Spence is a wily, unctuous Antonio." Anthony Tommasini New York Times

"tenor Toby Spence plays the villainous Antonio with flair." Mike Silverman Associated Press

"Toby Spence (Antonio) and William Burden (King of Naples) delivered flashes of their trademark tenor sound with remarkable diction."

David Patrick Stearns Blog

"Toby Spence sang superbly and the leads were first class."

Louise Levene The Sunday Telegraph

"Toby Spence stood out for his luminous tenor solos in dialogue with Pieter Schoemann's violin." John Allison The Sunday Telegraph

"The LPO and the London Philharmonic Chorus rose to almost every challenge, and the luxury quartet of Christine Brewer, Mihoko Fujimura, Toby Spence and Franz-Josef Selig ensured a white hot performance of the Te Deum." Martin Kettle The Guardian

Toby Spence more or less took over the show as David, but his portrayal is so acute, and so well sung, that it was hard to mind. 

Michael Tanner The Spectator

"Toby Spence's David remained ideal- impossibly youthful and athletic for such an experienced singer."

Hugh Canning The Sunday Times

"Toby Spence's confidently sung David was similarly vibrant." John Allison Opera Magazine

"Toby Spence brings ardour to the role of David" Colin Anderson The Opera Critic

"..Toby Spence's wonderfully youthful and athletic David, the star of the show.." Hugh Canning The Sunday Times