“The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra is a powerhouse of the highest quality music making. Maybe it is the dedication to historically informed performance that makes it so good. Maybe it is the joy audiences see on the player’s faces, but it is certainly the quality of its performance that makes its music something to treasure. Richard Gill, the renowned music educator and founding artistic director of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra would be so proud and delighted with the music it is making today.”

Rob Kennedy, Canberra City News, 18 August 2022

Photo: Peter Hislop

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[…}“The delicate and sensitive sounds of Eybler’s quintet is a discovery of the passionate and the intimate. The group’s handling of the music said so much about their commitment and understanding of the playing of music from this period. Everything about their playing said connection. A connection to the music and relating that into an enjoyable experience.

The tone, style, dynamic and volume of the music grew in the “Octet in F Major” D.803 by Franz Schubert. This turbulent, swelling music with its multiple lines of individual music captures attention through its dynamic complexity. There is so much going on in this music that trying to tell its story is difficult. It does not let up. Even in the slow movement, the complexity remains, albeit at a slower pace.

Over the six movements, and at almost an hour of music, there’s a lot to take in. But fortunately, in the hands of such fine players, it was a warming experience. The few solo moments brought back that intimate expression experienced earlier in the concert. The lines where the clarinet took the lead were the most alluring. Its velvety sound played so well, brought out the best in the music.”
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One hopes to see and hear Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra in Canberra much more. Their kind of music-making never goes astray or to waste. On a long tour, covering eight cities, it was a treat to hear them bring such fine music to the capital of Australia for a good-sized audience.

Rob Kennedy, Canberra City News, 9 June 2022

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