Chamber Orchestra of Europe

"The musicians ignored hand-me-down clichés, defied interpretive traditions and, most important, performed as if communal lives were at stake… The wanderers played here with overwhelming propulsion, cohesion and precision. For once in New York, a standing ovation was genuinely earned." (Financial Times, August 2012)

"Conductors speak of this "Ambassador for the European Union" in the highest terms. But the musicians demonstrated how good they were without a guiding hand in this third concert of the series "Philharmonie für Einsteiger" with works from the Viennese classics and post-war moderns. One was amazed by the perfectly matched tone, rhythmic precision, dynamism and adaptability of the Orchestra." (Kölner Stadtanzeiger, December 2011)

“The COE gave two exquisitely detailed performances of Brahms with pianist Emanuel Ax and Bernard Haitink… The veteran conductor produced a Fourth Symphony of impeccable lucidity, with pizzicato as clear as bowed notes and a deliciously peppery tone from the bassoons.” (The Independent on Sunday, August 2011)

“And thank goodness for the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and conductor Bernard Haitink, who were on such beautifully lucid, strong form in the 4th Symphony.” (The Daily Telegraph, August 2011)

“The Chamber Orchestra of Europe is extremely reactive: everything happens immediately. It is not just an orchestra, it is most of all an ensemble of musicians of an exceptional level.” (Le Figaro, January 2011)