Critical acclaim

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

The National Philharmonic of Russia does its artistic heritage proud, making its music, familiar or not, exciting to hear. Heeding the clear vision of Spivakov, its members play with a cohesiveness and insight that belies their short history, as if they have been doing this forever. And, in a way, they have. While the nuances of their personality remain to develop, they already possess the eternal soul of Russia.

Margaret Shakespeare, Orlando Sentinel, Marc 30, 2007

Spivakov and company had an abandon that made the music’s drama hit home. The sheer rage of the orchestra’s sounds, from murmurs to flashes, played up the phantasmagorical streak that runs through the whole piece.

Steven Brown, The Charlotte Observer, March 28, 2007

Sandwiched between the two superb sets of symphonic fireworks, complete with both nuanced restraint and the sort of full-throttle eloquence possible only with such a large and markably accomplished orchestra.

Laura Stewart, Daytona Beach News Journal, April 7, 2007

In the four yeas since it was founded in 2003, the National Philharmonic of Russia has grown into an ensemble whose sonority rivals that of the great orchestras of Europe.

Paul Horsley, The Kansas City Star, March 2007

Founded just four years ago, the National Philharmonic of Russia already is a virtuoso orchestra. Its performance Sunday at Davies Symphony Hall under the baton of Vladimir Spivakov was exceptional and often brilliant, with moments so vivid that the music felt almost wet, like fresh paint on a canvas. How an orchestra, especially a large one like this, can come so far so fast is a matter of mystery and speculation.

Richard Scheinin, Mercury News, February 27, 2007

The concert opened with Tchaikovsky’s fantasy-overture Romeo and Juliet. The interpretation was ultra-dramatic, especially the way that dynamics were used to prepare the second appearance of the love theme. The iteration of the Friar Lawrence theme by the solo trumpet was brilliant and precise. The National Philharmonic of Russia brought the season to a rousing close. We should definitely keep the Russians coming.

Joseph Youngblood, Cox News Service, April 7, 2007

In the beginning of the season… Vladimir Spivakov invited the top-ranking musical forces of most important Moscow orchestras to the National Philharmonic of Russia… In December 2003 the NPR manifested noticeable progress, while at present the Orchestra is turning slowly but surely  into the best orchestra of the Russian capital, and the performance of Brahms’s “Ein deutsches Requiem” under Thomas Sanderling proved it.

Ilya Ovchinnikov, Gazeta, February 10, 2004

Vladimir Spivakov’s new orchestra is gradually gaining momentum; with the increasing number of performances the quality of team-playing is rising proportionally, the timbre richness and precision are improving, and the overall artistic insight is getting more and more convincing. The Orchestra made a significant breakthrough, well seen even with the naked eye, with its performance of “Ein deutsches Requiem” by Brahms under the German Maestro Thomas Sanderling.

Andrey Khripin, Nezavisimaya gazeta, February 11, 2004

“Remembering Kolobov…” was the name of the evening organized by the National Philharmonic of Russia with which the late unlamented Maestro Kolobov had not had the opportunity to work… The National Philharmonic of Russia sounded in the concert as a nearly perfect instrument…

Dmitriy Morozov, Kultura, March 11, 2004

The “Remembering Kolobov…” concert was a success… and the celebration did have a festive flavour. Among the main heroes of the night one should name the National Philharmonic of Russia that is growing up from concert to concert, as well as the Conductor Theodore Currentzis who had prepared a very complicated program of over 15 operatic  scenes… The night ended up in a prolonged ovation.”

Ilya Ovchinnikov, Gazeta, March 11, 2004

…The National Philharmonic of Russia founded by Vladimir Spivakov has all capacities necessary to become the best orchestra in Russia. It is young in age and in spirit, it shows no routine, it displays not solely the top-class professional skills, but also the rare ability, almost vanished now, to enjoy the music, to plunge into it, to create it in front of the audience. Although Domingo still need not prove that he is the only one, the most brilliant number of the concert was the orchestral Intermezzo from “La boda de Luis Alonso” by Jimenez, in which each orchestra member was virtuosic, inspired and unforgettable…”

Valery Kichin, Rossiyskaia gazeta, March 12, 2004

“It was with genuine frankness and joy that Domingo thanked the musicians of the National Philharmonic of Russia after the concert. “

Ilya Ovchinnikov, Gazeta, March 12, 2004

“Our visit was unforgettable and working with your orchestra, the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia, was a unique experience. The orchestra represents an exceptionally high level. This will probably become one of the best orchestras in the world. I think the unique atmosphere during the rehearsals and the 7 Gates of Jerusalem concert left the audience with many great memories and I will recall it as one of the best performances of this piece ever. I wish that your cooperation with this orchestra is one great success.” Krzysztof Penderecki, December 6, 2003

 “To the National Philharmonic of Russia. I love every single one of you.”

Jessye Norman, July 8, 2003

“To all the musicians of the National Philharmonic of Russia and to Vladimir Spivakov, my friend and colleague, with deepest regards for this wonderful concert in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory.” James Conlon, July 10, 2003

To the National Philharmonic of Russia with my admiration and many thanks for the wonderful help and playing during my concert. Looking forward  for the next time (maybe conducting you?). With much love.”  Placido Domingo, March 10, 2004

“Dear Maestro Spivakov! Compliments for the great work you have done with your Orchestra. Looking forward for the next time. With my friendship and admiration.”

Placido Domingo, March 10, 2004