"Amazing,
amazing, amazing. What a concert! 'Red-hot' is not
an exaggeration, but the music was always played with a
sensitivity that kept it from flying out of orbit. I'm
sorry we can't attend again tomorrow." - Art
"Well,
everyone in our crowd is in agreement that that's got to be one of
the best concerts we've ever heard. ...You certainly
had enough megawatts going tonight to light a small planet."
- Ruth Hobeika
"Applause!
Mistral is a quintessence of talent! It's lovely to
recognize the members over a stretch of concerts. . . The magic of opening night is still with us. It's amazing to think
that this quality of creative performance and programming is right
in Andover. Praises be ... to thee!" - Barbara Sands
"It is not just the
musicians, who are marvelous, but your selection of programs and arrangements that make the concerts so exquisite. That is where the difference lies. Other Chamber groups play really well too but the imagination does not come close to yours."
"I
know when something moves and exhilarates me and frees my mind and spirit to adventure elsewhere for a while. It's a kind of transport I don't experience nearly enough in my life. Very precious to me when it does happen."
"You're very smooth and articulate with the verbal parts of the presentation as well. Not that that's a surprise in itself, but it's striking to see that kind of left-brain/right-brain accomplishment in such immediate juxtaposition."
"Fabulous concert! I think you've gone way beyond the realm of
'you can hear world-class music without
going in to Boston.' It's more like 'go to Boston or anywhere you want; you can't have this experience
anywhere else.' ... ACMS is unique; lots of
groups play the top hits of 1630; but no one else plays this stuff in quite this way."
- Art Robins
"Let me add our thanks for yesterday's excellent program. These days remembrances of the Holocaust
are becoming fewer, which is felt with sadness by those of us with personal ties to it (our son-in-law's
parents both survived the camps and have told us much about their experiences there). But the taste and
standards that you set for your usual programs did not desert you here despite the potential limits of the
subject matter. It was a fascinating program, expertly played by top-notch performers. We commend you
on it."
- Lilah and Leon Groisser
"Julia, its was a rich, rich,
brilliant performance. Thank you so much for all the work you do to make each
concert special in its on way. I loved hearing the historical points the question and answer session brought up.
I learned quite a bit. Your talents are so many." - Nancy Brooks
"Well deserved! Julia, if you ever had an essay contest on the theme
'Why I Hate to Ever Miss an ACMS Concert,' my reason would be that there is no other place to hear recent or contemporary chamber music that is both excellent and accessible. All too often, inclusion of contemporary music in a program seems to be a punishment for the audience for the sin of having enjoyed, for instance, Brahms or Schubert. The contemporary music that you include is thoughtful and usually enjoyable, and it always feels like it belongs. I feel sorry for the ex-audience member who won't attend a concert with music written later than Dvorak. He's missing out on a rich experience. You are a great artist, and I think that your real genius is in the programming."
- Art Robins
"The
opening concert was truly magical! I rarely hear a program which
does not contain music I've heard many times. This was one of
them. I practically floated all the way home. Piazolla was dessert
first, Schubert a salad, Stravinsky a chef's special and Dvorak
the main course. Where do you find all these extraordinary unusual
items? It must take hours of research and planning and believe me,
we appreciate it."
"It
truly was a extraordinary concert--such a wonderful program all
around. At our dinner with two other couples later that night we just
couldn't stop talking about the concert. Caleb and I hope to get to more
concerts. Your efforts are so special--a gift to all the community. It was
wonderful meeting you." - Claudia Bach
"First
rate: Jordan Hall without the slanty seating!" - Everett Gendler
"...I
wanted to let you know how outstanding the last concert was. The
music was phenomenal...which has always been the case. What is
striking is that the concerts always bring a sense of warm
family/community. Your initial greeting sets the tone. And then
something always happens. This last concert, the young girl from
Lawrence sang, following her story. Musicians gave background on
the music to be played, and were humorous and inviting. In the
past, a raffle drawing became a playful exchange between you and
the audience. The combination of exceptional music along with
personal touches creates an atmosphere that strengthens community
and inspires the spirit. You really bring a gift to us all."
- Nancy Cahan
Julia,
the musical selections were wonderful and the three special
performers as well as the musicians were magnificent. The audience
really didn't want it to end, quite a compliment to one and
all.
Music cannot
totally eliminate the sorrow we all feel nor the underlying fear,
but for one night in North Andover, thanks to the ACMS we were
able to lay aside these feeling and allow the music to soothe our
souls, mends our aching hearts and let us feel pleasure.
Thank you both
for all of your hard work to make this possible. - Lee Thornton
Yes, the evening
was a means for getting back to what we live life for: for living
in harmony, for shared and profound experience that touches the
core, ineffably; for transport out of the voices of everyday
existence by way of resonant sound. It was healing; it was
wonderful; it was talent. Thank you for making it happen. - Bev
Shafer
"Bravo ! Another wonderful concert!! I was able to bring nine of our violin students and one mom to the Tough Turkey concert (Sunday Oct.27) thanks to your gracious donation of tickets. Every one of the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience. One 7 year old sitting beside me remarked during one lively section,
'I'm going to clap real hard when it's time. I love this.' Even as an adult I was thoroughly engrossed in the enchanting tale. What a delight to discover that
ACMS' favorite flutist is also a master story teller. Thumbs up all around for Julia! We have
appreciated each time you have given tickets to our group. The last one (Rondos and Rags) was more challenging for them but they stayed focused the whole time. These concerts are
a great way to supplement our children's music lessons. We have seen so many great results when music is introduced into the lives of these
kids. We are delighted to be able to collaborate with you in making their lives even richer. I look forward to continuing this cooperative
relationship between our two groups. It's a great harmony."
Sincerely,
Marcia E. Lier
Director
Community Strings
Lawrence, MA.
The performances
were unbelievable and I thought the name of the program should
have Stunningly Beautiful Women Perform Mozart I plan to
attend more concerts as I am able (this was my first) and
congratulate you on getting your season off with this beautiful
and moving concert. How will you beat this? - Emilie Baber
Last night was a
five star eventsuch pure JOY of musicianship and stellar
musicians as well. Programming continues to be innovative which is
such a treat in these days of top 40 broadcasting. Keep up your
great work and high standards! - B Sands
Great concert and
although I missed the pre-concert talk your remarks before the
concert were informative and witty. It's a pleasure to come up
from Cambridge to hear the wonderful music making. You certainly
manage to get some of the best talent around.. Thanks again for a
wonderful musical interlude. - Mona Stein
I really enjoyed
the concert. What was most exciting, though, is that I think you
have gained more fans throughout the North Shore. I was sitting
next to a couple from Beverly who were attending ACMS for the
first time. They were amazed at the quality of the performance,
and couldn't believe that they could hear such accomplished
Boston performers without the parking, commuting, etc.
hassle of going into Boston.
Just a quick note
to tell you how much I am enjoying the series this year. This was
my first year buying a subscription and it's been a wonderful
experience. Keep up the good work! - Jessica Ruda
I, personally,
think this series is the best thing to happen out here ever. I
spoke with William Hite the other evening and he was amazed at the
hall and the opportunity that Andover affords to Boston musicians.
My feeling is that when you used the churches for your concerts
that you then established very loyal fans who now bring others.
The cost of going into Boston along with the hassle of parking,
not to mention the price, is prohibitive to many people -
Mary Ann Williams
Julia, By the way I
not only thought your playing and everyone else's was wonderful
last weekend, but was particularly struck by the thoughtfulness of
the programming structure, which I understood ahead of time, but
it really worked nicely, which is a subtle way of saying that if
you keep this up your artistic directing is going to be battling
your playing for pride of place. And for what it's worth, I think
the audience was particularly taken with Mr. Hite. To be so close
to such sustained singing that is not full blown opera at such an
extraordinary level was something most of us don't have an
opportunity to experience. Bring him back and they'll keep coming.
You just have to talk to him about his shoes. - John Wessler
Thanks for giving
me the opportunity to introduce the world class quality of the
ACMS to some new friends. You and your colleagues played with such
vim, vigor and virtuosity that it was hard to believe that it was
not a sold out Symphony Hall performance.
My husband and I
attended the concert last night, and we must say that we both
thought that was the best concert ever! I have always enjoyed the
wind instruments (especially the flute). Everyone on stage looked
like they really had a good time!
"My husband and I
loved the program. We had no idea that such wonderful musical
resources are available in our own backyard (so to speak). We were
invited by Deborah Walker and lured by complimentary tickets.
We'll plan to attend often in the future.
Dear Julia, It was
our first ACMS concert. It will not be our last! It was great.
Thanks for giving the winds a premiere voice. It was also our
first visit to Rogers Center for the Performing Arts. It is an
impressive architectural and acoustical achievement.
We will see you
in the fall! - Charles and Hildegard Wilson
Last night's
concert was absolutely wonderful - it was my favorite one of the
season! I thought it was a perfect balance of pieces. I love
Poulenc, and the Mozart and Janacek were beautiful I was initially
disappointed when I learned that Sergei Shepkin was unable to
play, but Nina Ferrigno was marvelous. I was also thrilled that
Todd Palmer was on the program. I just love watching him play
because he so clearly enjoys what he does and he invests so much
of his own energy and personality into the music without
overshadowing the composers intent. I love watching musicians who
move and physically relate with the music and each other in
performance. The evening left me completely energized -
Leslie Malis
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