Sinfonia Viva Audience Feedback

Let us have your opinions by sending your own comment on any of our concerts.

Mar 19 2013 - Derby Assembly Rooms
Gergely Madaras (conductor), O Duo - Owen Gunnell and Oliver Cox - (percussionists)

"We are always pleased to support Sinfonia Viva in Derby; we love their interesting and varied programmes. Enjoyed the liveliness of the newly-composed percussion piece alongside Haydn and Beethoven" - name supplied

Mar 3 2013 - Lincoln Drill Hall
Benedict Holland (director/soloist)

"Enjoyed the extraordinary quality of playing and variety of pieces." - contact details supplied

"Enjoyed the quality of performance and the soloist introducing the music - nice and informal." - Emily F Hutchings

"Excellent performance." - name supplied

Feb 5 2013 - Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
Garry Walker (conductor), Tine Thing Helseth (trumpet), Guy Johnston (cello), Thomas Gould (violin)

"Wonderful Beethoven 5. Brilliant After Hours concert." - name supplied

"Most enjoyed the Brahms' Double Concerto but there was a real freshness to Beethoven's 5th." - name supplied

Feb 3 2013 - Civic Theatre, Chelmsford
Duncan Ward (conductor), Tine Thing Helseth (trumpet)

"Enjoyed the enthusiastic performances from soloist, conductor and orchestra and the interesting programme played with clarity and crispness." - name supplied

"Enjoyed the freshness and vitality. Loved it. Really enjoyable evening." - name supplied

"Enjoyed the Bartok and the great enthusiasm of Duncan Ward in the pre-concert talk which was so evident in the concert which followed." - E L Fletcher

Jan 31 2013 - Djanogly Recital Hall, Nottingham
Benedict Holland (director), Benjamin Appl (baritone)

"Varied programme which offered the opportunity to hear some alternative versions of works. Enjoyed the informality and music introductions. It was very well performed and introduced." - Geoffrey Millner

Dec 31 2012 - Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
Timothy Redmond (conductor), Alexandra Dariescu (piano)

"We have been to these concerts before so know that they are excellent and it is really good entertainment for New Year's Eve. Enjoyed the high quality of the performance by the whole orchestra and Timothy Redmond is very good at the banter between the music." - Susan Fletcher

"I have been before and enjoyed a great deal. Lively and suitable for the occasion. Excellent!" - name supplied

Dec 7 2012 - Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
Andrew Gourlay (conductor), Christian Ihle Hadaland (piano)

"I always know I'll enjoy Viva's concerts. Brilliant conductor in Andrew Gourlay and good choice of music and soloist." - Ms J Bratton

Nov 12 2012 - Derby Assembly Rooms
Matthew Coorey (conductor), Yevgeny Sudbin (piano)

"Enjoyed the bounding enthusiasm and dedication of all participants and the post concert recital with clarinettist and double bass." - A. Fowler

"All very enjoyable - a great evening! Thanks to all involved. Emily Pailthorpe made a most positive contribution - excellent. Beethoven was much enjoyed - the post concert music provided by Matt Dunn and Dave Ayre was brilliant! The soloist Yevgeny Sudbin was excellent too." - name supplied

"Enjoyed the difference between the types of music chosen and the fluidity and style of the young Russian pianist's playing." - Mr and Mrs I M Jones

Nov 7 2012 - Lincoln Drill Hall
Benedict Holland (director), Robert Davies (baritone)

"Enjoyed the harmony of the orchestra – they clearly enjoy performing together – and the vibrant voice of Robert Davies. An excellent, uplifting evening. Thank you for such an informative and comprehensive printed programme - a work of art in itself." - Barbara Precious

"Enjoyed enthusiasm of orchestra and good concert notes. Teamwork!" - name supplied

"Excellent playing and singing." - Greg Wright

"Attracted by the fact that it was a Sinfonia Viva concert - thus a quality performance was assured." - name supplied

July 23 2012 - Holt Festival
Nicholas Kok (conductor), Matthew Barley (cello), Bode Lawal (dancer/choreographer) and Tunde Jegede (composer)

"Dance and music - stunning!!! Beautiful cello solo." - Dr David Bull

"Fantastic! This was one of the most exciting concerts we've been to for a very long time - and we go to a lot of concerts." - Stephen Green

May 25 2012 - Apex, Bury St Edmunds
Nicholas Kok (conductor), Matthew Barley (cello), Bode Lawal (dancer/choreographer) and Tunde Jegede (composer)

"Invocation was inspiring and refreshing. Also Matthew Barley's playing. Our 14 year old grandson enjoyed it too." - name supplied

"Attracted by the originality of the programme and the empathy of conductor Nicholas Kok." - name supplied

April 23 2012 - Derby Assembly Rooms
Nicholas Collon (conductor), Richard Watkins (horn) and Ed Lyon (tenor)

"Music outside the normal popular programme. Good balanced programme." - name supplied

"Pre [concert] talk - excellent. Vaughan Williams' 5th Symphony outstanding. Plus good to hear three new pieces to add to my repertoire, and very good free information sheet." - Phillip Horsham

"I enjoyed the 'Talking Music' session before the performance. The whole performance was very good. The 'encore' session at the end (guitar and trumpet) was very enjoyable and fun." - name supplied

Feb 15 2012 - Lincoln Drill Hall
Benedict Holland (director)

"The only really good ensemble that plays live in Lincolnshire - consistently good. Loved the Janacek - wonderful to discover a new piece - in Lincoln - live. And the Bartok was astonishing." - name supplied

Dec 31 2011 - Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
Timothy Redmond (conductor)

"We have been attending the NYE concert for many years now. We have only missed two concerts in the last 18 years, due to weather conditions as we are 30 miles from Nottingham. Last night's concert was the best ever New Year's Eve concert we have attended at the Royal Centre. Everything was so enjoyable - the programme was magical, the way Timothy Redmond presented and introduced the whole programme was really superb." - Ivan Bradder

"Attracted by the variety of pieces played. Lovely way to celebrate New Year's Eve." - name supplied

Dec 6 2011 - Lincoln Drill Hall
Nicholas Collon (conductor)

"The music was uplifting and inspirational!! It was most enjoyable to see and hear the new work performed to such a high standard with the wonderful interaction between the different groups." - Chris Wright

"...we would definitely see Sinfonia Viva again!" - Joanne Austin

Oct 5 2011 - Lincoln Drill Hall
Benedict Holland (director)

"The performance of Jenkins' Palladio was breathtaking!" - Lynn Goodwin

July 18 2011 - iCon Environmental Innovation Centre, Daventry
Octet

"Enjoyed every bit of it – especially the information on the instruments and the pieces played. Thank you so much." - name supplied

"Had a front seat – do not get so close normally! Excellent players!" - name supplied

May 21 2011 - The Courtyard, Hereford
Benedict Holland (director)

"Enjoyed the wonderful skill, dedication and presentation of the whole performance - beautifully executed." - name supplied

"... the obvious dedication of the players, specially their director Benedict Holland." - name supplied

May 7 2011 - Stamford Arts Centre
Chamber ensemble

"Enjoyed the introduction by the leader of what the composers (and musicians) were trying to achieve, and the music itself of course. The Orchestra's interpretation and playing were excellent!" - Mr and Mrs M Storer

"Enjoyed the programme selection and superb musicianship, and we were not familiar with the Hummel piece which was delightful. A stunning perfomance of excellently chosen pieces. Thank you for a wonderful evening." - Andrew and Sally Plummer

Apr 14 2011 - Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
André de Ridder (conductor), Johannes Hinterholzer (horn)

"Enjoyed the intimacy of the concert" - name supplied

"The Horn Concerto was magic." - name supplied

Apr 9 2011 - Palace Theatre, Newark
Benedict Holland (director)

"Enjoyed the warm chattiness of Benedict Holland and the surprise (to me) of the fantastic version of 'Black is the Colour' by members of a local school who joined the Orchestra in the second half. What an exciting piece!" - Anni Keene

Feb 23 2011 - Lincoln Drill Hall
Benedict Holland (director)

"Enthusiastic orchestra / conductor... I enjoyed the contrasting pieces, unusual works by known composers, the programme notes and the conductor's explanation." - name supplied

"The balance of the different pieces was excellent." - Ray Brumby

Feb 16 2011 - Assembly Rooms, Derby
André de Ridder (conductor), Anna Meredith (Composer in the House)

"..the reading of Beethoven 6 was one of the best I have ever heard... It seemed that a great deal of thought and rehearsal had gone into this performance. My congratulations to all concerned." - name supplied

Feb 13 2011 - Civic Theatre, Chelmsford
André de Ridder (conductor)

"Enjoyed the talk beforehand, the music not being too loud or too quiet and excellently played." - name supplied

"The Pulcinella was delightful... the Pastoral was absolutely tremendous." - name supplied

Nov 23 2010 - Assembly Rooms, Derby
André de Ridder (conductor), Benedict Holland (violin)

"Enjoyed the Mozart Symphony No.39 and the Orchestra's evident engagement in playing all the pieces." - D Ward

"Enjoyed the Schubert Symphony No.2. I thought the Orchestra made a lovely sound during this piece." - Mr J Snow

Nov 21 2010 - Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon
André de Ridder (conductor), Antje Weithaas (violin)

"Enjoyed the enthusiasm of the conductor, the standard of performance and the programme." - name supplied

"...the Berg Concerto that I had never heard before. It was brilliantly done by the soloist, the conductor and all the principals." - Alan

"A friend booked up this concert. We were visiting from London. Our friend thought we would like the concert - and he was right!!" - name supplied

Nov 2 2010 - Royal Concert Hall, Nottinghan
André de Ridder (conductor), Natalie Clein (cello)

"Enjoyed the wonderful way the Orchestra played - it was really great." - name supplied

Oct 16 2010 - The Palace, Ibstock
Benedict Holland (director)

"Enjoyed the quality of the playing and the overall informality. We very much appreciated the interpretations of each piece." - name supplied

"I thought that the concert just got better and better with every piece." - Alice Page

"The commentary was interesting and very unusual." - name supplied

"Enjoyed everything - it was superb from beginning to end." - name supplied

Oct 2 2010 - Djanogly Recital Hall, Nottingham
Colin Currie (percussion)
Benedict Holland (director)

"Colin Currie - such dexterity and precision. The piece by Kurt Schwertsik was highly enjoyable. I liked the talk by Holland/Currie!" - Bob Roper

Jun 13 2010 - Pontins, Pakefield
Benedict Holland (director)

"Enjoyed the quality of the musicians." - Ken Nicholls

"The concert and the whole weekend are EXCELLENT." - Ken L Renshaw

Apr 28 2010 - Curve, Leicester
André de Ridder (conductor)

"Samuel Barber Op.11 and the expertise of the players made this an evening to remember." - name supplied

"The Glass Symphony was superb – exciting rhythms wonderfully transmitted by the Orchestra with its dynamic conductor." - name supplied

Mar 16 2010 - Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
Main concert - André de Ridder (conductor), Freddy Kempf (piano)
After:HOURS concert - André de Ridder (conductor), Thomas Gould (violin)

"Most enjoyed the Schumann Piano Concerto, but also enjoyed the choice of pieces that made up the whole programme and the introductions by a member of the orchestra and the conductor." - name supplied

"Schumann excellent - great balance between the orchestra and soloist." - Maire Butler

"I was really interested in the programme. Moreover, I was really happy to listen to Thomas Gould who is a fantastic violonist, and Nico Muhly's work, considering that he is far too rarely performed in the UK - according to me. I wanted to thank you most of all for the After Hours... This initiative is a fantastic way of making people discover contemporary classical music... I have always thought it was a shame to wait until a composer is dead to perform their work... So thank you very much!" - name supplied

Feb 24 2010 - Lincoln Drill Hall
Benedict Holland (director)

"Enjoyed the wonderful, informal, relaxed, unpretentious evening of music beautifully played by Viva." - Judith O'Laughlin / Peter Duxbury

"Most enjoyed the energy, verve and enthusiasm of the musicians." - Bonny Ambrose

"Enjoyed the Haydn No76, a lively, vivacious performance of repertoire which ought to be more well known." - name supplied

"Enjoyed the selection of the music and the jovial, relaxed, polished way that it was presented. A magical evening!" - name supplied

Feb 11 2010 - Lancaster University
Alexander Shelley (conductor), Sophie Bevan (soloist)

"Interesting programme, well performed." - Martin Widden

"The whole concert was delightful and enjoyed the evening enormously." - name supplied

"Excellent and moving performance by the soloist. The chamber arrangement of the Berlioz was effective." - name supplied

Dec 31 2009 - Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
New Year's Eve Concert - Nicholas Kok (conductor), Benedict Holland (violin)

"Enjoyed the varied programme; the sense of fun - the concert works well as an ambassador for classical music." - Cathy Hay

"A most civilised way to usher in the New Year! Lovely music played by Viva and with some fun as well. PERFECT." - name supplied

Nov 4 2009 - Lincoln Drill Hall
Benedict Holland (Director)

"An excellent evening with a good variety of pieces / composers. High quality playing." - R J Chambers

"Lively presentation. Excellent music, very well played." - name supplied

"[Attracted by] Viva's superb playing and enthusiasm - it is always superb." - name supplied

Oct 30 2009 - St Mary and All Saints Church, Chesterfield
Sinfonia Viva ensemble

"Enjoyed the variety of lesser-known pieces." - Dr A J Ainsworth

"An extremely enjoyable evening." - Terry Andrews

"I particularly enjoyed the unusual harp solos, the wonderful clarinet quintet and the evocative Ravel. Thank you!" - name supplied

Oct 21 2009 - Tithe Barn, Wellingborough
Triple Bop - David Ayre (double bass), Matthew Dunn (clarinet) and Tim Gunnell (vibraphone)

"Enjoyed the skills displayed by the musicians and the variety of music." - name supplied

"A good variety of pieces. Friendly approach to the audience. Excellent performance and production." - name supplied

Oct 10 2009 - Djanogly Recital Hall, Nottingham
André de Ridder (Principal Conductor), Nicholas Daniel (Oboe) and Lucy Wakeford (Harp)

"Inspired programming - superb, committed performances. Great sense of the players' enjoyment!" - name supplied

"Enjoyed the Henze Double Concerto and the fact that the programming had been thought through very well." - June Ellerby

"Enjoyed the varied programme and very high quality of performance both by the soloists and the orchestra." - name supplied

Sept 20 2009 - New Walk Museum, Leicester
Family Concert

"Enjoyed the quality and interplay with the audience." - Mike Hall

"Very entertaining - learnt a lot." - name supplied

"Very relaxed atmosphere." - name supplied

"Enjoyed the warmth and sense of fun of the performing musicians - and of course the excellence of their performance." - name supplied

May 31 2009 - Chelmsford Civic Theatre
Family Concert with Alasdair Malloy

"Enjoyed that I got to go on the stage. Great music - beautifully played." - name supplied

"The sheer magic of you all - so marvellous for the children. Jolly good tunes." - Ron and Carol Brown

"Enjoyed the enthusiasm of the host and the variety of music played. Something for everybody. Thoroughly enjoyable family concert." - Mrs Sarah Rigby

"Excellent way to introduce classical pieces to children... we had a great family experience." - Sarah Beard

Apr 22 2009 - Assembly Rooms, Derby
André de Ridder (Principal Conductor), Steven Blakeley (Narrator)

"Enjoyed the inclusion of extracts from the play with Mendelssohn's incidental music. It was a wonderful idea and superbly executed." - Michael Smith

"Enjoyed everything, but especially the Mendelssohn and narrative - BRILLIANT." - name supplied

"Enjoyed being introduced to a new symphony, Weill No.2. - name supplied

"Enjoyed a programme without the old 'warhorses' Also enjoyed the augmented orchestra. - Mr K Edgar

Feb 18 2009 - Lincoln Drill Hall
Nic Fallowfield (Violin), Philip Gallaway (Violin), Benedict Holland (Director)

"This is an excellent group that plays to international standard." - name supplied

"We go to all of your concerts at the Drill Hall. We love your presentation and intimacy with the audience. The players look full of happiness and enthusiasm." - name supplied

"Excellent programme. Enjoyed the complete 'togetherness' of sound, bowing and expression." - name supplied

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Feb 1 2009 - Curve, Leicester
Antje Wiethaas (Violin), André de Ridder (Principal Conductor)

"Sinfonia Viva were outstanding. We will definitely go to another of their concerts." - Nicola Kucharski

"Enjoyed the accoustics of the hall and the performance - well done!" - name supplied

"Enjoyed the music and the performance by orchestra and conductor." - name supplied

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Jan 27 2009 - Assembly Rooms, Derby
Antje Wiethaas (Violin), André de Ridder (Principal Conductor)

"Very sensitive orchestral playing in the Mendelssohn Symphony. " - name supplied

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Dec 31 2008 - Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
Mayuko Kamio (Violin), Nicholas Kok (Conductor)

"Enjoyed the choice of music and the atmosphere... excellent programme. " - name supplied

"Enjoyed the varied programme - right balance for New Year's Eve. Bruch's Violin Concerto No.1 - first class!" - name supplied

"Enjoyed watching and listening to the violin soloist, Mayuko Kamio, plus the audience participation. " - name supplied

"Enjoyed the variety and in particular the Violin Concerto. Easy listening and 'good company'. " - name supplied

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Nov 9 2008 - Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on Avon
Colin Currie (Percussion), André de Ridder (Principal Conductor)

"It was very enjoyable from start to finish. The Orchestra and soloist were very impressive." - T.T.W Peregrine

"Enjoyed the Beethoven - lots of bite." - name supplied

"Enjoyed the quality and vigour of the Orchestra and conductor." - John Peacock

"Wonderful soloist. Good to hear contemporary music and a splendid Orchestra and conductor. Great commitment." - Valerie Crofts

"Enjoyed Colin Currie, but also the excellent Sinfonia Viva. I had not heard them before - a revelation." - name supplied

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Nov 6 2008 - Lancaster University
Colin Currie (Percussion), André de Ridder (Principal Conductor)

"Enjoyed everything. A well-balanced and well-played programme. The Steven Mackey piece was particularly interesting. Colin Currie - a highly talented musician who always opens new doors and creates exciting sound." - Fred Holdsworth

"Enjoyed the atmosphere and standards of music-making. I really enjoyed the Mackey and the Beethoven, and was grateful for the opportunity of hearing the Mackey." - name supplied

"I enjoyed the Beethoven most. The Orchestra gave their all. Wonderful." - Mr Donald Pearce

"Good, crisp ensemble playing." - name supplied

"It was superb, well executed - a joy to listen to." - name supplied

"Thoroughly professional and polished." - Stuart Galloway

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Oct 22 2008 - RNCM Manchester
Uri Caine (Piano), André de Ridder (Principal Conductor)

"Enjoyed the sheer, joyous, tender, playful energy of everyone involved (and you all gave us that energy through all the three demanding pieces!)." - name supplied

"Enjoyed the programme and excellent playing / performance by Sinfonia Viva and Uri Caine." - name supplied

"...the variations on Beethoven's Diabelli Variations - I found it fascinating, humorous and highly enjoyable." - name supplied

"...I really enjoyed the Diabelli with the brilliant improvisations by Uri Caine." - name supplied

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Oct 15 2008 - Lincoln Drill Hall
Benedict Holland (Director)

"I enjoyed all of it - and especially the friendly but succinct introductions to each piece." - name supplied

"Good atmosphere, comfortable venue - and of course lovely music, very well performed." - name supplied

"...enjoyed the blend of varied repertioire, and the informative, friendly introductions to each item - a bonus." - name supplied

"...I enjoyed that the players were clearly enjoying themselves. An excellent evening." - name supplied

"...Intimate and friendly atmosphere, but wholly professional - lovely playing and attractive programme." - name supplied

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Oct 5 2008 - The Castle, Wellingborough
Nicholas Kok (Conductor)

"...relaxed atmosphere and excellent musicians and soloist. Interesting selection of music - good to hear some pieces unfamiliar to us. Also we have enjoyed previous Sinfonia Viva concerts. " - name supplied

"Enjoyed the excellent orchestral playing (may I particularly commend the violins, the oboe and the two bassoons) and the superb conductor. The Gluck, which we did not know, was a lovely revelation. " - Mr P J Sibley

"...a quality concert in Wellingborough." - name supplied

"... enjoyed the choice of music, particularly the Mozart Jupter Symphony." - name supplied

May 21 2008 - Tithe Barn, Wellingborough
Anthony Thompson (Trumpet) and Mike Johnson (Tuba)

"Incredible how they could play so softly and clearly - what breath control!" - name supplied

"I was attracted by the unusual combination of instruments and enjoyed the players explaining their instruments." - name supplied

"...enjoyed the originality and performers' introductions." - name supplied

"...a small and intimate venue... enjoyed the friendliness of the players." - Pamela and Chris Mann

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May 18 2008 - The Castle, Wellingborough
Alexander Shelley (Conductor) with Michael Roll (Piano)

"I enjoyed all of it. Excellent in every way. A fine string orchestra and really beautiful playing." - name supplied

"Enjoyed the invigorating playing by the whole orchestra and the engaging personality of the conductor." - name supplied

"Excellent playing." - name supplied

"Enjoyed the Listening Notes and conductor's words. All music so good." - name supplied

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April 27 2008 - Civic Theatre Chelmsford
Pirate Adventures with Alasdair Malloy

"Went to last year's one and really enjoyed it, so couldn't wait to come again... Especially enjoyed the Pirates of the Caribbean music and the Sailor's Hornpipe dance at the end. The conductor is brilliant!" - Mrs A. Baker

"Daughter-in-law recommended it - she took the children to an earlier concert. Really enjoyed the amount of engagement with the audience and linking the music to a story." - Margaret Lyth

" ... the last dance - even the parents enjoyed it!" - name supplied

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April 16 2008 - Derby Assembly Rooms
André de Ridder (Principal Conductor), Lauma Skride (Piano)

"Enjoyed the pre-concert talk with composer and questions... Piano by Lauma Skride - range!... Excellent end to encore... Best Viva concert for years!" - name supplied

"... the combination of a generally sparkling performance by the Orchestra and the grip and interpretation of the conductor... An eagerly anticipated event in the concert season." - name supplied

"... enjoyed the introduction to something new as well as more familiar and well-known [works] like the Beethoven Symphony No.4. Viva always plays Beethoven so well..." - name supplied

"... the vitality and enjoyment of the conductor and the versatility of the Orchestra, and the superb piano playing of Lauma Skride..." - name supplied

"I was attracted by the varied programme, and enjoyed contact with Judith Weir and the quality of the entire programme performance. Sinfonia Viva are improving year on year - well done!" - name supplied

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