Reviews

Press

• “A superb group of musicians under a splendid conductor” – Roy Goodall, Words & Music
   
• “Here is a talent to be reckoned with indeed.” - Yorkshire Evening Press.
   
• “Conductor Peter Fender’s rendering of the work was excellent.” - Caroline Jenner, Sardines Magazine
   
• “Just before all the pieces were played, the conductor, Peter Fender, would briefly explain the pieces, and some things to look out for, so that you would be able to understand the pieces a bit better. This helped us become more integrated in the music, and made us look out for little details within. It was a brilliant concert.” - Bachtrack young persons’ review

Audience

• “Your rendition of Jupiter was particularly gorgeous – with lots of vivacity and a freshness and spontanaeity which was a revelation” - AB
   
• “I’ve never heard a performance of the “Enigma Variations” that told me more about the piece. There was great emotion is every movement, and yet nothing was pushed, nothing was over-dramatized. It was a superb interpretation.” - DF
   
• “A wonderful and vibrant rendition of the Resurrection. Even a work of genius needs to be interpreted and given voice: this was certainly achieved”- RC
   
• “Rarely have I enjoyed a St Matthew Passion more than I did on Friday. Quite remarkable in all aspects … I go to St Matthew Passion every year at the RFH but yours wins hands down.” -  CG
   
• “I was really impressed by your impassioned and involved conducting, a rare thing and much appreciated.” - JL
   
• “Such a well thought out programme, informative, entertaining and moving, it kept us on the edge of our seats (or was that just the church pews’ effect?)” - JS
   
• “As you know, I rarely go to classical concerts, but because of all the thought you had put into the structure and design of the evening, I thoroughly enjoyed it. “ - RM

Players

• “Thank you for your inspirational coaching and conducting” - AH (violin)
   
• “It is so refreshing to have structured rehearsals with easy to follow advice and helpful tips” - RM (violin)
   
• “Your talks were great – very enjoyable – and with character” - JB (violin)
   
• “A friend of mine (an experienced “prommer”) came to the concert last night and suggested that, if more concerts were this fun more people would attend them.” - IF (trumpet)
   
• “VERY well done for your conducting. A difficult piece and I loved what you did musically” - TH (bassoon)
   
• “The feedback in the pub afterwards was universally more than favourable.” - DB (viola)
   
• “I really enjoyed Figaro and thought you were a very clear and musical conductor. You also stayed really calm throughout which is something I’ve never seen from an MD!” - AD (oboe)