Critical Acclaim

“A delightful opening day of Bach, Handel and others shows why the annual Corona del Mar series has become a key cultural event for Orange County.”

— Los Angeles Times

“Vocal virtues impressed all afternoon. Soloists proved to be both powerful and modest. The Festival Singers sang with fervor and unity. Nothing went overboard, nothing went underplayed. The result: a thoroughly satisfying afternoon of Baroque splendor.”

— Orange County Register

“Alexander’s timing, his drawing out of phrases, was masterly. In climaxes, he created joy without frenzy; in quieter passages, he kept the music in motion without hurrying.”

— Los Angeles Times

“…strong musicians, cozy venues, a savvy mix of familiar and obscure works. The Festival seems to be growing stronger, more compelling, more lively.”

— Orange County Register

“If you weren’t transported by the performances, you could have drawn up an extensive list of what constitutes good choral performance practice and checked the items off one by one. The singers brought out the work’s unfailing joy and optimism, its seamless harmonic transitions, its startling melodic entry points. The Gloria unfolded radiantly: glassy tones, crisp Latin pronunciation, a solid core in the lower ranges. Alexander moved the piece along, as he did all evening, in undemonstrative but commanding fashion.”

— Orange County Register

“Long live the Baroque Music Festival, Corona del Mar.”

— Orange County Register