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“Canada’s chamber music treasure”
-- John Terauds, Toronto Star
“The warmth and precision of Ensemble Vivant’s performance of the music of Leroy Anderson charmed the Imperial Theatre’s audience … GREAT PERFORMERS! GREAT SHOW!”
-- Ralph MacLean, Imperial Theatre, Saint John, NB, Canada
“Catherine Wilson was sensational in her performance of the Leroy Anderson Piano Concerto at Carnegie Hall with Skitch Henderson conducting the New York Pops. She brings a special lyric sensitivity to her performance, along with meticulous technical ability. Her presence and affinity for the piece are palpable.”
-- Mrs. Leroy Anderson
“Catherine Wilson’s playing possesses the perfect combination of superb musicality, passionate commitment, and a lyrical and delicate shading of tonal colours.”
-- Roberto de Clara, Music Director, Oakville Symphony Orchestra
“Led by renowned pianist Catherine Wilson, the musicians of Ensemble Vivant are world class performers with a rare artistry of exceptional depth, sensitivity and musicality. They possess a magnetic and exciting stage presence combined with a warm intelligence that never fails to win the hearts of their audiences. Their concert wowed us last year and we had to have them back for a concert at the Arts and Letters Club so that an even broader audience can enjoy their musicality”
-- Arts and Letter Club, Toronto
“Wilson is a dazzling performer to watch as well as listen to…there is technical perfection and keen emotionality…she left the audience suspended until the last notes of the concerto…Wilson’s performance was electric; she appears as though she feels every note she plays – at one with her music and instrument.”
-- Welland Tribune (of Catherine Wilson’s performances with
the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra).
“The greatest selling point of the ensemble was the players’ masterful interpretative style. Whether playing a lyrical ballad, a spirited rag, or a sensuous tango, Ensemble Vivant captured the appropriate style instantly. The sense of ensemble was likewise impeccable, with entrances, articulations and dynamics mirrored precisely … an overwhelming success. The trio was equally at home with traditional classics and original compositions.”
-- Fredericton Daily Gleaner, New Brunswick, Canada
“…pianist Catherine Wilson, the pride of Canada…”
-- Burlington Standard Press, (Vermont, USA)
“There were bravos, a standing ovation and an encore … the concert revealed the full sweep of Catherine Wilson’s artistic personality, her youthful idealism and openness, her willingness to express emotion, her authority at the piano, and her command of the concert’s direction … Ensemble Vivant cruised the whisking currents of Leroy Anderson’s musical imagination with skill and zest … Anderson would have enjoyed every minute of it.”
-- County Courier, Vermont (USA)
“I have not heard exquisite Chopin playing like this since last hearing Artur Rubinstein…”
-- Toronto Star (re: pianist Catherine Wilson)
“This listener felt their joy in music-making … with style and polish they have, their future is indeed promising.”
-- The Stratford Beacon Herald (Ontario. Canada)
“Superb artistry…sensual piano playing … successful crowd pleaser”
-- Olean Times, New York (USA)
“… a rising star with great talent … tremendous …”
-- The Record Sentinel Times (USA)
“Refreshing…everything clicks in context”
-- Fanfare Magazine (USA)
“Brilliant, stunning virtuoso…”
-- The Victoria Times Colonist (Canada)
“Beautiful playing… masters the nuances of interpreting …”
-- RPM Magazine (Canada)
“Magical playing…a true artist...most entertaining…”
-- Toronto Star
“No matter the genre being performed, there is magic in her music making”
-- Rick Wilkins, Canadian jazz great and member of the
Order of Canada (re: pianist, Catherine Wilson)
“Beautiful, poised performances…reveal the deep musicianship and light interpretive touch of these Toronto-based musicians led by pianist Catherine Wilson”
-- John Terauds, Toronto Star (re: Ensemble Vivant’s CD fête française)
“…wonderful performance … congratulations to Ensemble Vivant for uncovering these works and presenting them with their usual flare”
-- David Olds, WholeNote Magazine (re: EV’s CD fête française)
“… pianist Catherine Wilson and her collaborators achieve that all-too-rare balance between intellectual satisfaction and pure entertainment … this is a quality musical candybox”
-- John Terauds, Toronto Star (re: EV’s CD Audience Favourites)
“Catherine Wilson’s affinity for Anderson’s music is much in evidence in this delightful recording … her sensitive piano playing shines.”
-- Joseph So, La Scena Musicale (re: EV’s 2-CD The Music of Leroy Anderson)
“A thoroughly enjoyable album”
-- Boston Herald (re: EV’s 2-CD recording The Music of Leroy Anderson)
“Catherine Wilson brings a great technical virtuosity and an understanding of the ‘American’ sound of the Leroy Anderson Piano concerto…she possesses rare depth combined with highly sensitive artistry that is tremendously refreshing.”
-- Skitch Henderson, Founder & Music Director, New York Pops
(re: Catherine Wilson’s performance with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra of Leroy Anderson’s Piano Concerto on EV’s 2-CD recording The Music of Leroy Anderson)
“Catherine Wilson plays the Leroy Anderson Piano Concerto with brilliance, clarity and passion.”
-- Mrs. Leroy Anderson (re: EV’s 2-CD The Music of Leroy Anderson)
“This big piano chamber repertoire is beautifully and masterfully performed … insightful interpretations … Catherine Wilson’s playing seems to inhabit the soul of each composer whose work she performs.”
-- CD Reviews Online (re: EV’s CD Chamber Suite)
“… desert island favourites …”
-- Bob Kerr, CBC Radio (re: EV’s CDs Palm Court Pleasures and Palm Court Encores)
“Here is the perfect light chamber music album … a little of everything to suit any taste … a wonderfully talented ensemble that performs with a warmth and flow that betrays an exceptional closeness … truly these players are more than just in-tune with each other … the overall effect is joyous and compelling”
-- Music Magazine, Canada (re: EV’s recording Palm Court Pleasures)
“Palm Court Pleasures with Ensemble Vivant is flawless … beyond flawless … it’s miraculous … it’s just perfect!”
-- Bob Kerr, CBC Radio
“This vastly entertaining album makes listening awfully easy”
-- William Littler, Toronto Star (re: EV’s recording Palm Court Pleasures)
“They bring their own sound and sensibility to the music … every time I have played this recording I have enjoyed it – both for the playing and for the program.”
-- American Record Guide (re: EV’s CD The Romantics)
“… refreshing … everything clicks in context … wonderful recording”
-- Fanfare Magazine (USA) (re: EV’s CD Classical Potpourri)
