Lan Shui

"The concert opened with a sparkling performance of Strauss's Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks that was full of dynamic nuances, expressive touches, and a level of gaiety and elegance seldom encountered in this warhorse. After intermission came Sibelius's Symphony No. 2, where Shui demonstrated his mastery of the long line, pacing each movement with care and saving the ultimate thrill for the symphony's crowning apotheosis. Strings, right to the back of each section, gave 110%; brass soared with noble warmth, and woodwinds put forth solos of delicate beauty. This may well be the finest performance of it I have ever heard. One cannot avoid comparing what Shui has achieved in Singapore with what George Szell did in Cleveland half a century earlier or what Simon Rattle did more recently in Birmingham. He has turned a good regional orchestra into a world-class ensemble that plays its heart out at every concert and where each individual musician is a hand-picked virtuoso." (American Record Guide, May 2010)

“Leave prejudices to one side and banish mental laziness… enjoy this extraordinary Rachmaninov which has nothing to fear from comparison with much better-known recordings.” (Scherzo, September 2009)

“Shui wielded his symphonic forces with fine control, alternating between lush romanticism and cool transparency as the music required.” (Financial Times, September 2008)

“With Shui on the podium and Carl Nielsen's 3rd Symphony "Espansiva" on the music stands something quite rare occurred. The music overflowed.” (Politiken, March 2008)

“In brief, this is the most astounding, effective, and beautiful recording of La Mer I have ever heard.” (American Record Guide, September 2007)