“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)
