Dolce Suono - Reviews

What the critics are saying

"Think classical music is stuffy and inaccessible? Think again." --The Bulletin (Philadelphia)

"Beautiful texturing by ensemble. . . a stunning ensemble" --The Philadelphia Inquirer

"Lyricism combined with introspection. . .the superb interpretations by the musicians captured les accents français throughout. . .a soaring flute solo brilliantly played by Stillman. . .Here the Dolce Suono group performed at its very best, with intensity and virtuosity, offering a moving interpretation that captured the ‘inner ear’ beyond the score itself. . .fire and energy." --Broad Street Review

"The reading of Debussy’s ‘Sonata for Flute, Harp, and Viola’ showed how this ensemble can re-create masterworks." --The Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Dolce Suono program awed me with the knowledge of the repertoire. . .flutist Mimi Stillman is the live wire responsible for Dolce Suono. . .Stillman: a talent for performing - and organizing too. . .a toast to the the cultural entrepreneurs of our city" --Broad Street Review

"Playing that combined elegance and depth" --Broad Street Review

"Dolce Suono’s opening chamber concert was a great advertisement for music by living Philadelphia composers" --Broad Street Review

"Dolce Suono is an exceptionally lively chamber series that features some of the best musicians in the region playing programs that are packed with surprises and pleasures." --Broad Street Review

"One of the liveliest chamber series in the city. . .imaginative wide-ranging programming." --Broad Street Review

"You’re missing a treat if you haven’t been attending this series." --Philadelphia Music Makers

"With nary an empty seat to be had at the latest presentation, these concerts’ appeal is self-evident. . .Rock-solid chops and affecting conviction." --Philadelphia City Paper

"Although the repertorie ranged from the English Renaissance to music of the 20th century, the presentation had the ambience of a coffee-house happening, its music alternating between jazzy and folksy vibes." --Philadelphia City Paper

"The three rendered its verses to perfection, especially the rollicking French passages." --The Philadelphia Inquirer

"The trio performed with enthusiasm and emotion. . .One of the most enjoyable parts of the concert was the rapport between the performers and the audience members." --The Bi-College News

Comments from Composers

"I want to express to you my appreciation for your very beautiful performance of my "VOX BALAENAE" on your recent Dolce Suono concert! It's a real pleasure for a composer to hear one's music played with both bravura and musical sensitivity. I want to wish you and Dolce Suono continued success in all your future endeavors." - George Crumb

"Thank you for the beautiful playing of the flute Trio." - Ned Rorem

“Dolce Suono Ensemble combines brilliant playing, vision, energy, and passion. They bring the music to life.” - Shulamit Ran

“The members of the Dolce Suono Trio combine to deliver not only the sweet sounds that are their trademark, but high energy and excitement as well, with a wide range of emotions in between. Their conviction for new music is a boon to contemporary composers, and working with them is a true delight.” - Curt Cacioppo

“I was delighted with Mimi Stillman’s performances of my Sonatine for Flute and Piano, both in its original form and the arrangement for flute, violin, viola, and cello which she played so brilliantly with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Mimi’s scintillating technique and vast range of tone colors have always impressed me. That inspired me to write my Sonatine for Mimi to display her wonderful artistry. Although it is a very difficult work, she made the virtuosic passages sound effortless and brought fresh interpretive ideas to the music. As a composer, it was pure joy to hear her rendition of my work.” - Lawrence Ink

“I wanted to thank you again for your performance. Besides owning every moment of the music, you took the entire audience with you from start to finish so they wouldn't miss a beat. Your performance style is wonderfully communicative. To bring that particular song to life was deeply stirring for me.” - Michael John Ceurvorst

Audience Comments

"Everything on the concert was performed exquisitely with grace, musicality, and at a level that was spectacular. Mimi Stillman's sound, tone, musical artistry and technical wizardry are amazing. Her playing transports the listener to another world. The string quartet with her is without a doubt one of the finest I have ever heard. The harpsichord gave a special touch to the evening. It is also nice to hear Mimi talk about the works. Her ability to discuss the music with such conviction, depth and knowledge is an especially nice addition to the performance."

"I was truly impressed, not only with the beauty of the playing but with the cohesiveness of the program. One of the highlights of the program was Lawrence Ink's piece."

"Brava! Something for everyone, from Bach to Gershwin and Cole Porter, all played with verve and joy. This was an experience of music-making at the highest level but with an intimacy between players and listeners rarely encountered in a concert setting. Plus some unfamiliar pieces or familiar works in new ensemble settings. It is hard to imagine a more enchanting shared evening, almost like a Schubertiad at home."

"Brilliantly fresh music-making"

"I really enjoyed your concert, especially the Arthur Foote piece. The Sonatine by Lawrence Ink was also impressive."

"I am certain we were as charmed by this concert, and as thoroughly awed by the sublime virtuosity of Mimi Stillman's performance, as were all others providentially in attendance. Ms. Stillman gracefully and vigorously blends her winsome nature, and infectiously playful demeanor, with professionally confident mastery and command of her craft."

"Your performance and lecture never fail to mesmerize me." "Wow! What an uplifting evening of chamber music with Dolce Suono! The program was innovative and exciting. The Foote piece for flute and string quartet especially stood out for me with its lyricism. Mimi Stillman’s introduction to the pieces, the other players' comments, and the composer Lawrence Ink’s remarks, gave us an added connection to the music we heard. Dolce Suono is a big win for Philadelphia concert goers!"

"The performance last night was magnificent. It was pure musical magic elevating us to the ethereal realm hitherto reserved only for the Muses!"

"A truly outstanding debut concert - musically outstanding performances that are also an enriching educational experience in theory and history."

"Extraordinary musicianship and interpretations…Dolce Suono is also adding an important education feature of brief expert pre-concert lectures of the history and techniques of the music, the times, and the composers."

"We LOVED your concert last night."

"Thanks for a really wonderful concert! What an extraordinary debut for the series, and such a full house! I loved the programming, too, esp. the Foote and Ink, which worked really well with everything else. I'm really looking forward to the others. Congratulations!"

"Thank you so much for a beautiful evening. Spot-on programming, commentary, and performance. My favorite was the Piazzolla."

"Brava! I was enchanted by the programming and your brilliant playing -- especially the rearrangement of the Ravi Shankar raga. Thanks for bringing such exciting music to Penn."

"That was a very special concert. It was a privilege to be there. I can see that your audience is growing from word of mouth now."

"Your concert was GREAT as usual. I really enjoyed it!"

"It was a pure---genuinely pure---joy of a concert. Thank you. You and your friends are extraordinary, and you share your gifts with human warmth and musical brilliance."

"Great group of musicians. It sounded terrific!"

"I really enjoyed your sound and what you did with the music, especially the wonderful ensemble work between flute and viola."

I enjoy your music very much and have appreciated the musicians and the concert location.

"It was once again a great concert tonight. Thanks so much for the Dolce Suono series! It was a regular fixture throughout the academic year, and I look forward to next year's line-up."

"We’ll have withdrawal symptoms until Dolce Suono concerts start again next season!"

"Thank you for a truly exceptional concert. The choice of pieces, the musicianship, the spirit, and the remarkable chemistry among the three of you made that a memorable evening of music."

"It was a wonderful concert, beautifully played, of course, but all beautifully programmed. Thank you for a memorably exquisite evening!"

"It truly was a memorable mixture of players and music."

"It was some of the most lively music-making I've heard in years."

"We really enjoyed our first concert Toasting Mozart"

"People really enjoyed the concert - I've heard lots of rave reviews. Nice work!"

"We attended your performance on Sunday, November 5, at the Bala Cynwyd Library, and were very much impressed."