Ensemble Vivant’s CD Homage to Astor Piazzolla is magnificent! I was almost in tears at several moments in the disc. What a beautiful collaboration and sound, honestly, one of the best instrumental recordings I have heard in years. The sound is amazing and the pieces are impeccably chosen. This is the only CD on my new ipod, but I don’t care because I absolutely love it and could listen to it a thousand times. This is going to be a mega hit!
- Julie Jolicoeur (Paris, France)
Ensemble Vivant and Producer Claudio Vena: Your CD (Homage to Astor Piazzolla) has arrived and I listened to it all day yesterday – it’s WONDERFUL!!!! What a great project…fun, well-executed, exciting…kudos to you all…congratulations! xo
- Rhyll Peel, violist (Toronto, Ontario)
Dear Catherine,
Thank you for helping to keep Leroy Anderson’s music alive and well. Your rendition of his Piano Concerto in C is splendid! I am sure he would be honored to hear your beautiful, inspired performances of his delightful compositions.
- Philip Lieberman, author, Radio’s Morning Show Personalities, McFarland (Sarasota, Florida)
Dear Ms. Wilson,
Last night I heard you on Classical Arts Showcase performing an original composition entitled “Knollwood Place”. The emotion you conveyed just astounded me and moved me far beyond words. On another Classical Arts Showcase broadcast I heard you performing the Chopin Berceuse. Chopin is my favorite composer and I am listening for something special when various artists play his music. I must say I have found that something special – very special – in your playing. Your magical piano playing has embraced me totally and I am interested in purchasing your entire body of works. May you continue making such splendid, heart-rendering recordings. I ask to become, most gratefully yours,
- Brenda Klaus (Plattsburgh, New York)
“Ensemble Vivant’s performance of Greensleeves/What Child Is This, may be the best I’ve ever heard. An intimate arrangement, written for Ensemble Vivant by Rick Wilkins, the melody soars over wonderfully played apreggios and distinctive chord changes. Together they capture this well-known melody like no one else - passionate, distinctive and achingly beautiful. One of the great performances and truly a must-hear!”
- Joseph S. Szurly (New Jersey, NY)
To Catherine Wilson:
My husband and I really enjoyed a performance we saw on Classical Arts Showcase. You were playing in Chopin’s birth house. Is there ANY WAY POSSIBLE to purchase a copy of this video? My husband has been watching Classical Arts Showcase for years and your performance is his favorite of them all. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
- Sherry Kovell (Cortland, Ohio)
When I bought “Palm Court Encores” it was because your ensemble had “Au Fond du Temple Saint” without the singers. It turned out to be a real treasure. I must say the more I listen to samples of “Audience Favourites” the more I like it. I am familiar with three of the selections. I think that I will buy it. Actually, I am listening to “ A Trumpeters Lullaby” right now. I will buy it. Thank you.
- Joan Johnson (Windsor, Wisconsin)
Hi Catherine – I recently acquired Ensemble Vivant’s CD Fête française from Phil and he was kind enough to send me your address so I could direct my raving in your direction personally. It is gorgeous and sparkling and Scott and I love it. I also can’t believe how quiet my kids are in the car when we play it – it is like magic. They listen to a lot of all kinds of music in the car, and a lot of it is classical and chamber music CDs, but there is something special about this one. I mean, they don’t even ask to switch to the recording of Dustin Hoffman reading “Horton Hears a Who” – OK, that one’s pretty good too, I admit. But I hope that proves what a magical CD you have The Debussy and the Widor are unique and the playing is so beautiful all around. The Saint-Saens is also fantastic! Beautiful playing on everyone’s part and what a beautiful sound Phil has on the trumpet. Once again, it is a gorgeous and sparkling CD. Thank you for making it- it is so beautiful.
- Cathy Stone (trombonist, Trillium Brass Quintet, Toronto, Canada)
Dear Magnificent Catherine Wilson
Thank you ever so very much for your performance of the Leroy Anderson Piano Concerto with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra which I heard thanks to Classic Arts Showcase. I am interested in any and all videos and CDs that may be available of your playing. There are few musicians that make me say “woooooo” when I hear them and you are in that group. Your touch and phrasing and warmth leave me speechless.
- Dan McGarigle (El Segundo, CA)
I absolutely your version of DeFalla’s Ritual Fire Dance! This CD will get on my ipod! Thank you Ensemble Vivant – you are terrific!
- Jack Hodges (San Fransisco, CA)
Dear Catherine,
My lasting impression of having seen you on television on Classic Arts Showcase is that you are an Angel, both in your looks and in your music making. I long for a solo recording of you playing some of Scott Joplin’s music.
- Bob Lynch (Lansing, MI)
How Can I Purchase Ensemble Vivant’s Christmas CD?
I was listening to my classical music station (WGMS in Washington D.C.) this afternoon and heard The Catherine Wilson Trio playing a medley of Christmas carols. It was so moving that I have been determined to track it down.
I especially love your piano playing and would love to get this CD if at all possible. Thank you so much.
- Todd Beall (Lanham, MD)
Dear Catherine Wilson,
Recently I saw a video of you playing Chopin in Chopin’s birthplace. Your playing was so wonderful. I would be so happy to purchase that video.
- Jan Hangland, Seattle, WA
Dear Catherine,
After a dreary day of data modeling, I came home to listen to Ensemble Vivant’s performance of ‘Au Fond du Temple Saint’, which is played exactly as I imagined it would be…wonderfully shaped and deeply emotive. It brings a tear to the eye as when I play the vocal version by Caruso. All the selections on all your CDs are stunning and vivacious…I am sure a reflection of the group’s founder. In another time and place, I would have gone to the ends of the earth to find a beautiful soul like you. Alas, these CDs will have to do!
- Kai Der (Crofton, Maryland)
Dear Catherine,
Thank you for your beautiful music. You did a great service in bringing out this CD, The Music of Leroy Anderson, collecting so much of his delightful music and playing it so beautifully. Unlike most classical pianists, you have a gift for playing syncopation well, and Rick Wilkins arrangements are wonderful. Thank you again for this priceless opportunity.
- Frank Fish (Victoria, B.C.)
Dear Catherine,
I have just finished listening to your double CD of Leroy Anderson’s music and I felt compelled to write to tell you how much I enjoyed it. You play with such heartfelt affection that from a listener’s point of view you get completely captivated.
- Michael Reason (Artistic Director, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, 2004)
Catherine, I am so happy to have discovered you! I am totally disarmed by your artistry and your inner and outer beauty. The Catherine Wilson and Friends video is artistic, entertaining, varied in content and sexy! I love the variety of musical selections and styles you perform, and all so heart-rendering and beautiful. I am glad to be counted among your “Friends”.
- Randy Kleine, Milford (Cincinnati) Ohio
My son, a pre-college cello student at the Blair School of Music listens tirelessly to Ensemble Vivant’s performance of Srul Irving Glick’s Old Toronto Klezmer Suite. He loves listening to the Catherine Wilson and Friends recording of this Suite and wanted to express this to pianist Catherine Wilson whose sensitive and passionate artistry has touched him greatly.
- Lisa Hoke (Nashville, Tennessey)
