02 Sep 2010
Last night's concert was fantastic and pleased to say that the ACO definitely lived up to the hype! - W. Norris
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A most enjoyable evening listening & watching the ACO perform at Cadogan Hall in Sloane Sq. The performance was great - lots of energy coming from the whole orchestra - in particular Tognetti and the pianist Dejan Lazic. - J. Davidson
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We saw the team at Cadogan Hall last night. It was a triumph! The audience gave them a standing ovation. P. Nisselle
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We really loved the sound of the orchestra yesterday – the symphony was a triumph. The sound they made was really wonderful – clear, very well paced, lots of texture and a great sense of abandon. The symphony was magnificent. - R. Cochefert
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We saw the the Orchestra in Dresden in the Frauenkirche last Saturday. They were magnificent! They received a standing ovation which was well deserved. We have now seen a variety of performances which have all been good to very good but I think I can safely say that the ACO has been the best to date without being accused of bias. Roll on Maribor! - I. Wallace
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I'm so glad that I attended the Cadogan Hall performance! The Vasks work had much beauty, very communicative, though ultimately a little too long I thought. The Beethoven 4th concerto was more revealing (of itself) than usual, the soloist Lazic was excellent, an apt flexibility in his pulse, yet dynamic and very musical. I only wished he didn't slow down as much for every lyrical passage. The Beethoven #5 was a real tour de force, very dynamic, clean and seemed to convey what one felt was the composer's vision without bombast. Great contributions from the wind, & beautiful bassoon playing. At the end the audience was on it's feet, and then such a substantial encore - last movement of the Jupiter! Also played with clarity, drive and punching power when required. They are a great band.
I spotted several famous names in the audience - Michael Parkinson, Sir Mark Elder, Stephen Isserlis, Melvyn Tan and his violinist partner Paul Boucher. I wish them well for the rest of the tour. - S. Ispahani
Trans-Atlantic Tour | Audience Feedback | 02 Sep 2010
10 Aug 2010
My husband and I went to the 2nd concert...it was our 1st experience to see ACO and a really nice too. For sure NOT to be our last. Thanks for the lovely evening ACO…thanks City Recital Hall Angel Pl ! We loved it! YKC Barham
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I shouldn't really be writing to thank you for your rapturously received concerts last evening, as I can never again listen to Beethoven's 5th after your rendition! Superlatives don't even come near a description of the brilliant interpretation and playing. As to the Vasks, that was such sublime playing of such a beautiful piece that one hardly dared breathe and just wanted it to go on for ever and ever. Thank you, thank you for a wonderful evening, and I hope you all have a tremendous tour. P. Tod
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I only attended the Schumann+Beethoven half. It having been years since I last heard the Schumann concerto, it really struck me how vulnerable a solo cello can sound compared to, say, an imperious solo violin in a violin concerto. I thought the Beethoven 5 was unbelievable - scintillatingly good. Eden
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Absolutely loved the concerts last night. I have heard Beethoven's 5th many many times both live with SSO and other great orchestras but this performance really moved me profoundly...energy, vibrant, intensity. Many folk around commented similarly. All the performance was of the highest standard and we shall follow the ACOs progress on their tour...hope they are not too jet lagged and can 'knock 'em out' with performances like last night. J. and D. Peake
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Please, please more one hour concerts. Absolutely fantastic. Particularly for people who do not want to travel on public transport late at night. Could even commence at 5.30pm. H. Keir
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Just in from tonight’s performance. In short it was excellent. Without question the best value for $40.00 that I have experienced in a long while. I certainly hope just such performances continue as we would like to introduce our five year old Daughter to classical music and an hour long performance seems ideal. Thank you! Beethoven’s fifth is a majestic and pure piece played brilliantly tonight by the ACO. G. Winslow
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I went to both concerts. First let me say that tonight was AWESOME!!
I think the experimental format is like Twenty20 cricket. Shorter and more intense. Like the very best of the "concert experience" squeezed into an hour (not that there's a...nothing wrong with the ACO's current concert formats).
That said, I don't think it's the future of concert-going. I LOVE going to the ACO's full length concerts and so does everyone else. I could sit through 4 hours of the ACO or more, but given the orchestra's uniquely high enthusiasm on stage, they'd wear themselves out!
I think it could be something the ACO does occasionally, but not all the time - or else the novelty/repertoire could run out. Perhaps in between each tour programme? You'd always need one really popular work for the 2nd half hour. This is why the Beethoven 5 concert was more packed than the Mozart 41 concert. A great as it is, few works can compete with Beethoven 5 for popularity. I think Mozart 40 would have been more appropriate. It's so very popular with classical and non-classical music buffs alike, and shares a special link to Beethoven's 5th - in it's general tone, and Beethoven drawing inspiration from (and studying) Mozart's 40th when writing his 5th. So yeah, two hour-long concerts in one night would need two equally popular headliner works. Otherwise it's best to stick to a full length concert. An hour on it's own is also great, but not too often.
Thanks again for a fantastic night! Regardless of the format it was just so awesome! B. Rofe
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I was there! And they rocked the Beethoven....the best thing to witness was the complicity between them while playing. A. Petit
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We went to the Beethoven 5 and Mozart 41 last night. We thought format full of promise. As subscribers however, I still believe that there is a need for the "traditional" format of two halves allowing for the mixing of music and build up of an overall experience. I would see a place for last night's format being integrated into an overall subscription and also as an additional offering. BON VOYAGE!! D. and T. Lieberman
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Tonight was fabulous. The Beethoven was just stunning & Timo-Veikko Valve was incredible. Wonderful evening. Thanks so much! Mennie
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I wanted to tell you just how delighted I was to attend the 1 hour concert that was held on Monday, 9 August at Angel Place. I think the 1 hour format is fantastic, especially at 6.30 pm for me able to enjoy some wonderful music after a long day at work. I really enjoyed the evening and look forward to attending another one soon! All the best ~ Lisa Levar
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Hopefully a full Beethoven cycle is on the way because you guys absolutely rocked the 5th! E. Morris
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The experience of last night's concert (the Schumann and Beethoven pieces forming the first part of the concert) was simply wonderful; marvellous music, attentive and considerate audience, (including many children, good to see) and very fine performances by Mr Valve and Mr Tognetti, and the entire orchestra.
Just, however, one serious negative - there is insufficient foyer seating outside the doors to the recital hall - to arrive early, as a courtesy to the performers, and to be unable to find a seat on which to wait, is not good - there seems to be plenty of room for much more seating; perhaps consideration could be given to installing more seating, preferably with individual seats and armrests for separation. Thank you. F. McClory
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Audience Feedback | 10 Aug 2010
09 Jul 2010
Love symphony but never really liked chamber music until the last year. I attended my first chamber music recital on 21 July and it was FANTASTIC. The ACO was simply wonderful, the energy, the love of music, the enjoyment in playing, the body language and, naturally, the playing. Just a simply superb experience and I will be attending more of the ACOs offerings. I was very impressed. Also, a pleasure to have a hall so close to the train and I really appreciated the 7 pm start and 9 pm finish. - L. Wright
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Such a fantastic concert with the barefoot fiddler on Sunday - loved everything - great repertoire and passionate performances, thank you all. - L. Gardner
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I was stunned and delighted by the performance, thank you all. - J. de Castro Lopo
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Barefoot Fiddler on Tuesday night. Another concert of breathtaking performances from the ACO. Patricia Kopatchinskaja was both brilliant and a delight on the violin. Bow hair and rosin flying. Encores with Satu, Chris and Tipi virtuosic and charming. Light and energy for the soul. - J. Hibbard
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This violinist moves like a boxer. - S. White
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I loved the concert tonight - such energy, joy and personality...enjoyed the drama and fun that was being had by all. Congratulations! - M. Muirhead
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I loved the concert at the Melbourne Town Hall tonight. Patricia is so unconventional and passionate. ACO rocked as usual. My ten year old said it was one of the best things he's been to! Congratulations on a wonderful performance. - J. Kyle
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Patricia's playing was both as smooth as golden syrup, and as exhilarating as a small boat ride in a storm. - L. Williams
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Such energy, passion and expression tonight. I'm exhausted and I was only watching not playing! BRAVO! Patricia you were wonderful and your energy rubbed off on the whole orchestra! Thank you all so much for a marvellous evening! - M Sansom
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Wonderful concert with Patricia Kopatchinskaja at the Melbourne Town Hall this afternoon. I especially enjoyed the Kats-Chernin and Vivaldi. J.E. Wilson
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Went to the concert in Melbourne townhall yesterday .... was a little disappointed with the way the concert was conducted not to mention the squeaks while playing the violin by Patricia, also felt that it lacked consistency(speed) at places ..... I do realise that I am being very critical .... just sharing what I felt ... Thanks. - S. Sharma
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OH, WOW! Even among the ACO concerts I've been to this year so far, tonight was an awesome experience! Furious tempo, fraying bowstrings, humming cellos, bows sawing together at insane speed, the star violinist weaving, bobbing, and singing, then the encores too! And STILL Patricia played on! Another brilliant job by the whole orchestra too, of course! :) Many thanks, Tim in Canberra (1st season as a subscriber)
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Each of you without exception are brilliant. Patricia Kopatchinskaja's energy was contagious and life affirming......perhaps we all should take off our shoes!!! - G Dickinson
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I attended the barefoot fiddler concert last night in Newcastle Town Hall. I felt I had to say something as the whole program was simply fantastic with a splendid variety of music, a wonderful group of young enthusiastic musicians obviously enjoying themselves and an audience captivated by the atmosphere. Young Patricia was lovely with her playing and obvious close synergies with the orchestra great to watch. The clock struck 8 at a poignant and very quiet moment in the performance which brought some smiles. A cold wet miserable night in Newcastle but brought to life with this performance. Well done all round. Encore all round! - P Phillipson
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I rate last nights concert in Newcastle as a V. Vibrant, Vivacious, so much Vitality, such a Varied program. Loved it loved it loved it! - R. Lee
Barefoot Fiddler Audience Feedback | 09 Jul 2010
01 Jun 2010
Bravo ACO for the wonderful Melbourne concert on June 6th! Particularly the Brahms!! - C.Oddie
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It was a great day all around - thanks so much for a wonderful performance this afternoon!! - H. Eyles
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What an emotional ride the Brahms was yesterday - once again I came away feeling so fortunate to be able to share in the ACO's exciting offering. Sometimes it requires a leap of faith, but it is always rewarding. Thank you! - V. Jjory
Romantic Symphony Your Say Feedback | 01 Jun 2010
20 Apr 2010
Bach and Beyond
Well if a program was to challenge I think that was done.
Brave is a word that is often used in faint praise....however bravery is what Bach would have admired given his imperitive to be both pragmatic and reverential.
My partner and I would like to thank you (Richard and all) for a program that dared us to think outside the Bach square.
The interleaving of manuscripts in the first half was delightfully deconstructed...a conversation between "Bach and Beyond" was had.
Some of the many highlights included of course the beautifully balanced vocal soloists, Shefali's sustained oboe, Timo-Veikko's continuum and Christopher's violaian vanguard.
Above all the group's pleasure in successfully introducing (at least to me) Diana Burrell's Bachian "Das Meer .." was palpable. Bach is often used to soften up both the player and the listener..I was made ready for that piece.
Thank you and congratulations.
Mahn | 20 Apr 2010
26 Nov 2009
End-of-year feedback from subscribers:
Beethoven program was remarkable! The Concerto No.4 in particular was impressive, enthralling and exquisite by turns. We wish to buy the CD you are making of this wonderful concert. It has been a top year for the ACO and your luscious music. Thank you!
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I always appreciate programming which includes new and unfamiliar works as well as well known and loved repertoire. We sit in the second front row in Canberra and have very much enjoyed our up close and personal view of the musicians over the years. Thank you ACO.
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As always I enjoyed all the concerts I attended, and although I'm a bit of a conservative and probably loved the final concert most, I always appreciate and enjoy the mix of old and new or less well known compositions. I have thoroughly enjoyed many pieces which I would probably have chosen not to listen to on the radio. So many thanks to all concerned and very best wishes for the next season.
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We adore the variety-the programs are just what we want-a good mix of classic, romantic and contemporary.
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Orchestra wonderful as always. Alive, vital, tranlucent sound and spirit.
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Consistently wonderful playing, great varied repertoire and the Beethoven 4 finale was just out of this world! Thank you, you are all national treasures.
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2009 was another fabulous concert season by the ACO. I'm now counting the days to February 2010.
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Each year ACO concerts continue to delight and excite the audience with superb renditions of well known and new work. The musical brilliance of Richard Tognetti and the superb dedication of its players to produce such wonderful music enthralls us at every concert.
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I love your eclectic program, the unique (Aussie? Wollongong?) style of presentation - a great mix of laidback and remarkable talent. Don't change! Thanks for 2009's delights.
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I enjoy them all, and want to give a big "thumbs up" for the more/most "contemporary" music along with the romantics and classics and baroque which I also love. I think it IS possible to have too much Mozart, and I want to affirm the pleasure of stranger sonorities and structures along with the familiar ones.
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Always interesting (if unexpected) programming and the feeling that you are all listening to each other. Thank you!
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Just that I enjoy your music so much! I feel like I am part of a family! Such high standards and innovation.
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Fantastic, as usual. Like the new outfits too!
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The talks prior to the concerts are most helpful. We enjoy the concerts immensely - it is so easy to lose oneself in the music of such talented musicians. Thank you.
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Highpoint was the performance of Schonberg's Transfigured Night in June - I bought a CD by another group but it was less good. Thank you!
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As a first time subscriber in 2009 I was totally satisfied & delighted with all of the concerts.
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Fabulous as always. "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" was an absolute highlight.
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I have enjoyed all the Wollongong concerts very much although the Romantics left be a little less happy as I did not like the Brahms composition. Generally the performances have had that precision, vivacity and sensitivity that is characteristic of the ACO.
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Always enjoyable - would always be happy to hear more new works, but this year has had a good serving of them amongst the classics. The ACO is the last subscription I would ever consider giving up as your concerts are always uplifting and often exhilerating - it is refreshing to see professional musicians who look like they enjoy performing - so many others look as excited as if they were working in an office, doing the photocopying. Not looking forward to the move to the Melbourne Town Hall as the acoustics are a bit woolly, but this too will pass.
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Always very impressed with the high calibre of the performances.
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Loved Dawn Upshaw-very different songs. Pekka Kuusisto-great fun and great music. Really enjoyed the Resonance concert.
| 26 Nov 2009
29 Oct 2009
If I only had twenty minutes on Planet Earth and it was spent (as it was last night) listening to Richard Tognetti and the ACO's unbelievable interpretation of the sublime Vasks, it would have been well worth it!
M Stefanakis | 29 Oct 2009
30 Nov 2009
From winners of a 2009 subscription:
This is the most valuable prize I have ever won and has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. While the guest artists were fantastically gifted people and enjoyable to experience in their own right, the inclusion of pieces composed by Carl Vine, Peteris Vask, Brett Dean and John Kinsella gave us a chance to share the most modern compositions in addition to the pieces we have grown up with. To see some of these people attending the performances and being recognised for their works was also a very special feeling. Richard Tognetti is an incredible Artistic Director and Lead Violin. At every performance we have found ourselves drawn to individuals. The performances by Aiko Goto, Ilya Isakovich, Helena Rathbone, Nicole Divall, Julian Thompson, Christopher Moore and Maxime Bibeau will always remain with us. They all have an incredible presence on stage and their instruments could be picked out individually at various stages throughout every performance from our seating. While being a part of the overall performance, they allowed you to become a part of their personal world. Their presence drew you into the presentation of every piece. If it is possible, please extend our thanks to all the members of the Australian Chamber Orchestra who have given us a very special memory.
Subscription winners | 30 Nov 2009
16 Apr 2010
The ACO were in town on Wednesday night in the concert hall. I spent the evening about 10 yards in front of Richard Tognetti! He is an amazingly fine musician - such sensitive directing! My favourite was the Bach Cantata - very expressive playing in all parts - so beautiful. I hated the Burrell!
Tognetti returns to Perth with WASO in June - must get tickets. - Tognetti has been designated a 'national living treasure' in Australia! Suzuki was so designated at age 88 in Japan!
The Oz Oddyssey | 16 Apr 2010
13 Apr 2010
The Helena Rathbone show was terrific - she and everyone else performed beautifully. A good concert showing the ACO members are really good and they obviously loved the chance to show their artistry. Helena is always wonderful - a great musician and a great personality. We wish her well in her pregnancy and look forward to her return with pram.
Please thank all those who took part - all the audience at the Sunday performance enjoyed it as much as we did.
The Bach concert last Sunday was also just great - everyone around us was in raptures. The mix was excellent - the singers were well chosen for the programme. (And we do so admire Timo-Veikko Valve - he is a terrific player. We have even learned how to pronounce his name from a Finnish friend!)
All the best, and our heartfelt thanks for these two great concerts and all the others we have attended.
Kaye Owen and Peter Matthews | 13 Apr 2010
24 Apr 2009
Hello! Just a quick note -- I saw you guys last night in Santa Barbara, and much as I love Baroque music and have been listening to it practically since I was born, you guys blew me away. I have NEVER heard Vivaldi attacked with that much blood-and-guts verve before. The Handel arias were all magnificent of course, but I'm a Scholl fan.
The Haydn absolutely blew me away. I'm not familiar with his stuff, since I tend to hop clear from high Baroque to late-1800s opera buffa, but I'm going to close that gap now. That #44 that you all did is probably one of the best live music performances I've ever heard in my life, of any kind -- and I'm including classical, opera, and rock in that. If you don't have it out on CD, I may cry. And Rameau! Another new name for me to chase down, and you shot it to the Moon.
Anyhow, THANK YOU for your performance (and for soldiering on so brilliantly despite that goddamned hearing aid feedback). I am so thrilled to have heard you. Like I said, I'm already a fan of the high male voice, so I knew Scholl would be fantastic although I have a feeling me may have been under the weather, but you guys opened a whole new world of fabulous for me. THANK YOU! - J. Cortese, USA
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I attended your performance this afternoon in Berkeley, CA. I want to thank you for a truly memorable musical experience, and especially for giving your all despite a less than stellar audience. I hadn't heard you live before, and definitely will again!
Thank you. A stunning musical gift! - M. Ley, USA
US International Tour Your Say Feedback | 24 Apr 2009
01 Apr 2010
The ACO programs are always interesting, stimulating and adventurous. They provide familiar works while, at the same time, exploring the less known. There are also many new works, providing an important way of supporting contemporary composers. The soloists are of the highest quality. Above all, ACO's playing places it among the few top chamber orchestras in the world. In a way, it is a shame that the majority of Australians are unaware of this.
Stephen Baggaley | 01 Apr 2010
25 Mar 2010
I took my 12 year old daugher to the Soloists concert on Saturday night. She has recently started playing the double bass and she couldn't have had a more thrilling introduction than Maxime Bibeau's superb performance of the new Hindson piece. I will never forget her face as we watched and listened. Thank you.
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Many thanks for the wonderful concert last week in Sydney. Congratulations to those who thought up the concept, put together the program and of course to the magnificent soloists and supporting musicians. We are fortunate to have such fine musicians whose skill and joy is so infectious. David and Trish Lieberman
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Thanks for the fantastic concert last night, the programming was brilliant! The Schreker pieces were beautiful, with playing to match. Loved all the soloists, such a high standard of playing and musicianship! Maxime was a real standout with his amazing rendition of Crime and Punishment, and the piece was so well written by M.H. to boot! A highly successful 2010 commission! Thanks Helena, for all the wonderful performance and leadership you put into this concert. Go well as a new mum!! Congratulations!!
Dionne Mitchell, also celebrating over 20 years as an ACO subscriber.
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A terrific atmosphere on the concert platform (Tuesday, Angel Place); a divine soiree; brilliant program; superbly transparent and expressive sounds from the ensemble; the most captivating, virtuosic and lyrical of performances; the ACO Family with their super special guest Diana. Not forgetting "Crime and Punishment" (nothing of the sort - it was terrific!) from Matthew Hindson. Bravo, team!
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Just saw ACO Soloists Five Concertos. Wonderful!!! And Maxime Bibeau was absolutely brilliant.
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Loved the work by Sydney composer Hindson, titled “Crime and Punishment” performed in Perth last night.
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Thanks for such a beautiful concert in Perth tonight...it brought joy to my ears and heart. Very best wishes to Helena, bub & famiy....we will miss you!
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Have just returned from the Perth Concert, what an evening! Blown away by the Cello Concerto (bias) and left Haunted (in a good way) by the images conjured by Max Bibeau's execution of the new work for Bass. Great to excellent musicians enjoying their performances!
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Brilliant performance in Melbourne's Art Centre on Monday! Especially, Timo's playing of C.P.E Bach's Cello Concerto in A minor was absolutely stunning! Been 2 days and I still couldn't sleep after listening to such a breathtakingly spectacular performance. Well done, Timo! That was very excellent!
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Hindson's work took my breath away. Never have I heard an orchestra create such a soundscape. How does one write such music and how challenging it must be to play! Exciting, sweeping and exhilarating. Virtuoso performances all round. Bravo!
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I took my son who plays double bass to the concert in Melbourne on Sunday. We both loved Maxime's solo.
ACO Soloists Feedback | 25 Mar 2010
16 Feb 2010
Thank-you for bringing so much pleasure into my life with your music. Last night I gave my 10yr old nephew, a violin player, an early birthday present - a night out to remember - which included your concert. I live in hope that his enthusiasm might grow by having such experiences. As for me, I just love the sweet sound of "that" violin. O. Ocean
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Last night we ‘returned’ after many years and were so thrilled with the clarity and virtuosity of the performance, we just wanted to say ‘thank you’ for an outstanding evening of world class music. It’s so good to be back! P. Pearce
Tognetti's Mozart | Yoursay Feedback | 16 Feb 2010
18 Sep 2009
I really didn't know what to expect and was delightfully surprised at the calibre of the musicians, the way they interacted with each other and the way they spoke to the audience with their instruments - even with humour! The performance was well worth the money and the time and I highly recommend anyone who appreciates high class musicianship to see them.
Marwood Audience Feedback | 18 Sep 2009
13 May 2009
ACO concerts never fail to engage, challenge and delight. The programming is tasteful and interesting and the performances always impeccable. I look forward to each and every event. This year I purchased two subscriptions and the guests who accompany me are always deeply impressed. Richard Tognetti is a gem and the breadth of his interests, extending as they do to the realm of the physical with his surfing, are an example to us all of the richness of life's experiences. Well done to each and every member of the ACO. - G Thomas
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For my taste the ACO is the most polished, exciting, accomplished orchestra we are fortunate to have here in Australia. I don't attend all concerts, and I don't take a subscribtion, due to an uncertain personal programme, but whenever I attend a concert I never fail to be delighted by the performance. The last concert I went to was the Dawn Upshaw, and I thought it was simply wonderful! - B Ebes
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Every concert with the ACO is a special treat. We never miss a Brisbane concert. We have also been enjoying " Musica Surfica" (the DVD) immensely. - J Allsop
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The ACO's concerts are always inspiring and uplifting! We recently spent 5 years in Europe listening to some of the best musicians in the world and returned to Oz to find that the ACO is as good as any. Keep up the fantastic work and MANY THANKS. - S Crock
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I'm sitting here listening to one of ACO's CDs. Wonderful listening. Richard Tognetti is such a brilliant violinist. - M Whitstock
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I love the way in which you mix the new and the old/traditional etc and have guests who are truly excellent. - J Lumby
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ACO concerts never disappoint us. We greatly admire the Orchestra's energy, discipline and virtuosity. Excellent value, especially now with free programme! - R Ede
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Tognetti and the ACO are the best group of its kind. My wife and I enjoy at least 95% of the selections. - D Hugone
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I found the ACO to be an outstanding group of professionals - loved the concerts and always listened to the music played with full focus! - J Phillips
Your Say General Feedback | 13 May 2009
11 Dec 2009
Again, my renewal for the next season was in with its usual enthusiastic anticipation of another year of breath-taking musical escape.
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A friend who used our tickets for the October concert had only one complaint - "it was just too good - too perfect" - the best sort of "complaint".
More end of year feedback from subscribers | 11 Dec 2009