Review Centre: Classical Soloists

"An excellent performance, greatly appreciated by the audience in the theatre. Young women who deserve the utmost trust and visibility."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would highly recommend Michael. He was very communicative before our event. He did an amazing job at catering for all the ages at our party and had everyone from the 3 year olds to the 60+ up and dancing. He made the evening very memorable. Thank you Michael"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Even on a murky February morning (2005), the first performance in July of our new commission doesn’t seem too far away. Jane Roper tells us about the composer and the composition: Howard’s way If you ever get a chance to talk to Howard Haigh about composing, take it. He has a huge range of experience, good insights into the creative process, and he communicates his enthusiasm for his work so well, I guarantee you will be both enthralled and inspired. And now he's working for us! I thought you might like to read a bit of background to his career and to his current commission. Although Howard is happily settled up north in Lancaster he trained near us; a BA Performing Arts/Music at Middlesex Polytechnic was followed by a Masters in Music/Composition at the University of London. He studied composition with Brian Dennis and David Bedford; had tutorials with Michael Finissy, George Benjamin and John Cage, and studied flamenco guitar with Paco Pena, Juan Serrano, Manuel Granados and Titi Losada. We think of him principally as a Spanish guitarist, but he also studied mandolin, keyboards, percussion, harmonica and vocal techniques. He has written for most instrumental combinations, from solo guitar, small ensembles and string quartets to bands, girls’ choirs, large choruses, electronic scores and computer music. Howard combines composing with teaching throughout the north west. He has taught guitar at Lancaster University since 2000. He is a member of the English National Ballet's Education and Community Unit, and is engaged in outreach projects in schools throughout England. The nature of this work may range from musical accompanist to residencies in which he composes an original score for a short performance. He has done similar work for Ballet Rambert and the Royal Ballet. His work has been performed at the Barbican, the Royal Festival Hall, Sadler's Wells (for the Queen) and the Purcell Room; and at festivals in Edinburgh, Brighton, Cheltenham and WOMAD. One of his great strengths is his ability to collaborate with people from a wide range of performing disciplines. I've found out that as well as working closely with singers, dancers, and actors, he has also worked with jugglers, comedians, strippers, a skiffle group, film makers and performance artists. No problem working with us then. And then add a massive list of theatre companies, musicals, community projects and commissions and it's no wonder he's always out when I call. In the 1980's Howard composed some extraordinary pieces using unusual instruments. Body Music used claps, stamps, clicks and slaps. This was followed by Kitchen Music. I bet you didn't know that Alan Titchmarsh played the saucepan in this on Pebble Mill. There was also a pre-Prom show on Radio 3 featuring unusual percussion prior to Evelyn Glennie's performance. But by the late '80s his explorations were focusing on vocal writing. Crouch End Festival Chorus gave him an exciting opportunity when they commissioned him in 1990. I heard them perform Saeta again in the Barbican last January. It was sensational. I can't even remember what the second half standard-repertoire piece was; I was still high on Howard's piece and wanted them to sing it again. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A talented violinist, Laura played with a string quartet at our wedding on 2 October at the Fossanova Abbey. They made both my and my husband's entrance memorable and very moving, and so did all the other highlights of the ceremony. All our guests were delighted. Laura in addition to being a great professional is also very kind, she was able to guide and advise us in musical choices and she found the remaining members of the quartet herself, saving me time and stress. Highly recommended"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stephan Kane played beautifully at our wedding in late September. But first things first: initial communication with Stephan was incredibly smooth. I sent him an email and his responses were always incredibly thorough and informative. After listening to some of his demos, my wife and I were sure he was the one. I asked Stephan if he could please provide a custom arrangement for our first dance and he very professionally described what that process would entail. The results were amazing! The song he played for us was so perfect! My friends and family all asked about him and thought that his rendition of our favorite song (first dance) was very pretty. After the first dance, Stephan played a very appropriate mix of songs from his repertoire. The wonderful thing about all the music he played the entire night was how perfect it was for whatever it was we were doing. When we were chatting, the music and volume were perfect. When we were eating, the music and volume was perfect. You get the picture. We could not have made a better choice. Stephan, your music at our wedding was a gift and you helped make our special day and evening one we will never forget! Thank you so much. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Truly, I can't thank you enough. Walking down the aisle to your dreamy playing of the Armed Man was so emotional, I'm so honored, I couldn't believe how beautiful it was. I didn't get the pleasure of hearing you play as everyone was being seated, but my husband said you were simply perfect. The tone and style was everything we'd hoped for. Everyone commented on just how wonderful the music was. So acutely tailored to the space and the mood. So thank you for filling our little chapel with your gorgeous sound."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Our guests couldn't stop raving about the violinist's performance long after the event. Eva's talent, artistry, and ability to connect with the audience created memories that will be cherished for years to come!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Jim is a prodigious and proficient guitarist. His music added to the ambience for my mom’s 90th birthday. She was familiar with many of the songs and sang along."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Naomi was a brilliant addition to our garden birthday party. She took onboard all the song requests I made in advance, and helped keep the surprise from my husband. Including, hiding around the corner when he was in the wrong place at the wrong time! The only thing that let us down was the British Summer weather as Naomi couldn't play outside the whole time due to the rain!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A joy to listen to, with a repertoire of songs to suit a mixed audience, we would highly recommend Roger for any kind of event small to large."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can not think of anyone else I would have rather had sing me down the aisle. We were so lucky to have Paul sing at our wedding ceremony - he brought an extra professional edge and created such a stunning atmosphere. He is exceptional. From our first meeting he was so easy to deal with, and no request was too much. I’d highly recommend Paul. "

Reply by Paul Byrom Tenor
Thanks so much Grainne

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired Edelweiss Quartet last summer for our wedding near Barcelona. From the beginning, everything went fantastically! They were very responsive to our requests. On the day of the wedding, they were one of the most appreciated touches. They knew how to play the music to create a very positive atmosphere for the aperitif. They managed to give the wedding a touch of magic with their sounds, appropriate for each moment. It was stratospheric!!! I thank them a thousand times for making that day the day it was. Being Swiss, I don't know if that means anything, but it confirmed that the group's level of professionalism is on par with our country. 1000% recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I engaged Silvia for two different events in my location in Italy (Agriturismo il Fienile, la Spezia) . Her playing was especially designed for the evening which was about zodiac. She played her music in a very moving way. Magical evening which I want to repeat Highly recommended "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"All the guests have said how lovely it was to hear you play, and also how much they loved your varied repertoire! You did such a fantastic job and really helped make our day even more special."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"BEST I COULD HAVE HOPED FOR! Professional, talented, responsive genuine. I sent a very last minute request (2 days before our ceremony) since we forgot to choose a song for our officiant as he walked down the aisle and Stephan came the rescue and learned Waiting in Vain (officiant's favorite) in literally less than a day. AND he did it out of the goodness of his heart. You can tell Stephan is someone who wants his clients to have the day as they imagined and will go OUT OF HIS WAY to make it happen. His music is beautiful and set the perfect mood for our ceremony. I love contemporary songs played acoustically and his repertoire is very extensive. I regret forgetting to take a picture to capture this! To all those who are smart enough to have Stephan play at your wedding or event, be smarter than me - remember to take a photo!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: