Praise for the NRSO

Over the past several years, the NRSO has performed to rave reviews in the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales region. Here is a small sampling of critical acclaim:

2002

"What a wonderful afternoon with Barry, the Orchestra and the 3 Tenors! Congratulations once again for a very memorable orchestral experience. When we asked fellow members of the Probus Club whether they enjoyed the concert, a loud cheer went up! Many thanks to you and the orchestra for the dedication that gives so many of us so much pleasure and joy listening to your music."

"This fine orchestra is to be congratulated for the sensitive playing that complimented the tenors to perfection, and also for the instrumental items included in the program, some of which moved me to tears. The Northern Rivers community is indeed fortunate to have an orchestra of this calibre … Well done!"

"This orchestra never fails to attract interest..."

"Thank you for a wonderful year of music. The Russian Programme left us all fuzzy and warm - it was magic!"

"Thank you for the wonderful experience of Classically Russian. What a joy! I especially want to thank you for the stories behind the pieces. It is great to hear the context in which pieces were written and also the story of the work."

"Classically Russian ... a wonderful afternoon’s entertainment ... You are soooo good!"

"I had the enormous pleasure of being at the Classically Russian concert last weekend. Congratulations on another wonderful performance - an outstanding orchestra!"

"Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! What a wonderful performance - we enjoyed every moment!"

2001

[ Review: Beethoven’s Symphony No.5 in C minor ]
"The strong rhythmic drive, turbulence, gracefulness and triumphant finale were all well realized. The exciting build-up to the closing cadences brought the enthusiastic audience as one to its feet in a resounding ovation. It is good to see, as the orchestra raises its standard each year, the quality of players it can now attract."

"Congratulations on a wonderful concert! We were impressed with the entire proceedings and could not find any fault anywhere! Barry is a personable young man and has an instant rapport with the audience... and the music was magic!!"

"Coppelia ... nothing short of stunning, leaving audiences in awe of the magnificent dancing and superb musicianship."

"The weekend concert by the Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra once again proved that we have world class performers in our midst. No-one would have departed the venue without having all their expectations fulfilled by this amazing group of performers."

"On Sunday 25th March my family and I attended the first concert of the year by the N.R.S.O. It was a privilege to be there and listen to the wonderful recital. It was a full house with people aged from 7 to 70. The orchestra received a standing ovation and everybody left the Civic Centre with their lives enriched."

"Thank you (once again) for an inspiring programme. Congratulations to all ..."

"...truly an enchanting evening. The orchestra gave a wonderful performance - a fine exhibition of regional talent."

"I had the wondrous pleasure of attending the N.R.S.O. concert at Seagulls - my great appreciation for sharing such an experience goes to all concerned. The rare joy of sound, sight and entertainment on such a grand scale makes us more aware of the loneliness of the T.V., pokies and other machines our lives are seemingly devoted to. Bravo maestro, venue and audience - More please."

"A Night in Vienna - a wonderful performance - a truly fantastic show."

"A Night in Vienna ...truly a wonderful musical evening ... a memorable performance!"

2000

"On behalf of the Tweed Shire Council, I wish to extend our appreciation to the N.R.S.O. for the superb grand-finale provided. The standing ovation received demonstrates the immense pleasure given to our visiting speakers and delegates ... please extend our sincere appreciation to the orchestra for a wonderful experience. Congratulations!"

"The N.R.S.O’s recent series of concerts illustrated the talents of these musicians and Musical Director. Barry Singh, together with Concert Master Alison Fletcher, have moulded the orchestra into a magnificent group."

"May I express my delight that we now have the Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra to fill a large void in life at the Tweed. This enthusiastic band of musicians plays to packed houses at the Civic Centre several times during the year - and gives an enormous amount of pleasure to those who attend. The orchestra deserves our congratulations and support."

"Congratulations to the N.R.S.O. for the excellent performance at the Gold Coast Arts Centre in connection with Tropicarnival 2000. The informal chat to the audience by the conductor between musical items added zest to the programme. His performance as conductor can only be described as excellent."

"Who needs to go to the city for entertainment of the highest quality? Not the people of the Tweed and Gold Coast. We are certainly privileged to have such talent led by Barry. Congratulations to him personally and to all the N.R.S.O. members for a splendid occasion at Seagulls for Swan Lake."

"Swan Lake - Fantastic!"

"Loved Swan Lake! Everything with the orchestra seems to get better and better!"

1999

" The Theatre, (Gold Coast Arts Centre) was packed and we’ve had nothing but glowing reports about the outstanding performance of the orchestra and Young-Ah Kim."

"Julie would be delighted to work with you again and I hope we can find another opportunity."

"Max and I did enjoy your wonderful concert. The choice of music and the professionalism of your performance was outstanding!"

"I thoroughly enjoyed the night of beautiful music played to perfection!"

"The N.R.S.O. received a well-deserved standing ovation from their appreciative audience on Saturday. This excellent orchestra should be playing to packed houses."

"What an exciting group of musicians! Such talent deserves to be seen and heard - readers, you deserve this musical experience!"

"The N.R.S.O. has given so much pleasure and enjoyment to so many people. The last performance was a superb concert and the William Tell Overture was a wonderful finale!"

"Another wonderful concert …. A thrilling affair!"

"A very personal thank you for your wonderful concert. Five people came with me and all were enthralled, to say the least. Many thanks for such an uplifting experience!"

1996

"Our congratulations go to members of the Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra who thrilled all who attended the Civic Reception; a truly marvellous performance."

"The N.R.S.O. played a torrent of sounds in their latest production – River to Mountain – The Journey. This very professional and finely tuned orchestra featured sublime flutes, the music of which might have been dancing on moonbeams reflected from the river amid tumultuous crashes of cymbals and rolling timpani..."

"This talented orchestra held the attention of the audience until the last note of each piece echoed throughout the room."

"I have recently moved to this area from Brisbane and never expected that an added bonus would be such a talented and professional group of musicians. We came away from the performance thoroughly exhilarated in spirit. Congratulations to all."