sinfonia ViVA Audience Feedback

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

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 20th 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 31st 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 22nd 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 18th 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 1st 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 27th 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 31st 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 9th 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 6th 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 22nd 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 15th 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 5th 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 21st 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 18th 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 27th 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 16th 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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